Getting paid on a construction job: deposits and Mobile Money
Protect your cash flow with three reflexes: ask for a deposit before starting (often 30–50%), stage payments across the site's milestones, and collect via Mobile Money (MTN, Orange, Wave, M-Pesa) with a written trace. A job delivered but unpaid costs more than a job declined.
A tradesperson's number-one risk is not running out of work: it is fronting the materials and labour, then chasing payment. Here is how never to be in that position again.
1. Always ask for a deposit
A deposit (often 30 to 50%) before starting commits the client and funds your first purchases. Put it on the quote: it is not a favour, it is the professional norm. SangoImmo computes and shows the deposit directly on the quote.
2. Stage the payments
On a long job, tie payments to milestones: deposit, end of foundations, weathertight, finishes, handover. You never front more than the client has already paid.
3. Collect via Mobile Money
Mobile Money (MTN MoMo, Orange Money, Wave, M-Pesa) is the fastest and most traceable way to collect. Put your number on the quote and invoice; every payment leaves proof. SangoImmo can generate a deposit request to your Mobile Money number.
4. Invoice cleanly
A clear invoice (amount, what is paid, what remains due) avoids misunderstandings and speeds up settlement. Payment tracking tells you, job by job, who owes you what.
5. Keep a trace of everything
Signed quote, deposit received, progress photos: in a dispute, these are your evidence. A clean file per job beats any verbal contract.
Sources and references
- Method and tooling: the SangoImmo costing engine and editable quote — see the methodology.
- Business registration: each country's one-stop shop (CEPICI in Côte d'Ivoire, APIX in Senegal, CFCE/GUCE-type centres elsewhere). Procedures and fees are set nationally.
- Trade norms checked by the app: NF DTU codes of practice, SANS 10400, CEMAC/UEMOA-region practice. Verify local building permits with your council.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I ask for a deposit before starting a job?
- Yes, it is the professional norm. A 30–50% deposit commits the client and funds your first purchases. State it clearly on the quote and collect it, ideally via Mobile Money to keep a trace.
- How do I collect a job payment via Mobile Money?
- Put your Mobile Money number (MTN, Orange, Wave, M-Pesa by country) on the quote and invoice. Every payment leaves proof. SangoImmo can generate a deposit request to your number.
- How do I avoid not being paid?
- Deposit before starting, staged payments across milestones, traceable Mobile Money collection, and a clean file per job (signed quote, payment proof, progress photos).
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