24/05/2026
This year alone, A-Stute Flooring has had to deal with not being paid on two completely separate jobs. Both jobs were completed in full, and when it came to final payment, we were told “yes, we’ll sort it” — only for the payment never to arrive. Since then, messages have been ignored and we’ve even been blocked.
People often wonder why companies like ours ask for a 50% deposit upfront. Sadly, this is exactly why.
We understand times are tough. The cost of living is affecting everyone, and we genuinely sympathise with that. But if you can’t afford the work, please don’t commit to having it done. Small businesses cannot keep absorbing these losses.
When customers don’t pay, it doesn’t just hurt the business — it affects our ability to pay our own bills, support our family, and put food on the table for our children.
Situations like this are forcing us to seriously consider increasing deposits on certain jobs, simply to protect ourselves from being taken advantage of. Honest businesses should not be left out of pocket after providing honest work.
It’s frustrating, disheartening, and honestly makes us remember why Matt stepped away from self-employment before — because there are simply too many people out there wanting something for nothing.
If you’re asking for work to be carried out, please expect to pay a deposit up front before any works can be even booked in the diary.
Thanks for reading 👍🏻
