My question is when you have a customer that makes a deposit on a future job (normally meaning within 2 weeks or so) and then when they are contacted to set up the work continually delay it, or are not able to be contacted to be scheduled. How long should a job deposit be kept on the books, and when should it be returned?

Chase Benson: we actually have one from 2017 – cant get a hold of the lady in question.

Finley Riley: What does the contract specify? You will have a hard time retaining a deposit and not providing the services when they finally agree that they want it unless you have something in your contract- and even then its not always guaranteed that you get to keep it.

Chase Benson: Thanks – appreciate the help

Remi Garrett: This has happened to me a few times. Since they are unresponsive it is their loss and I move on. I never refund for a non responsive client.

Arya Watson: Some of my customers have non-refundable deposits. After a period of time (especially for a non-responsive customer) a decision is made, the deposit is converted to revenue and we move on.