Balance Deposits for garden rooms, log cabins and sheds
A garden building is built or ordered in for one customer, with weeks of lead time and a delivery slot to book. The deposit books production; the balance is due before the install.
In short: Garden building sellers usually take 25% to 50% at checkout and the balance before delivery or installation. Use a 'when the order is ready' plan and mark the order ready when the delivery date is confirmed.
The usual plan
Set a 30% deposit and the balance rule to 'when the order is ready'. When production is done and the delivery or installation date is booked, mark the order ready: the balance is charged from the saved card, and the fulfilment hold stays on until it clears.
Example: £9,500 insulated garden room, 30% deposit. £2,850 at checkout, £6,650 when the installation date is booked.
Large balances and card limits
Banks sometimes decline large charges the customer did not start, or ask them to confirm. When that happens, Balance Due sends a pay link, and a payment the customer makes themselves through Shopify's checkout can pass the bank's check. Tell customers in advance that the balance is coming, and when.
Surveys, bases and extras
Site surveys, bases and electrics are often sold separately or added later. Edit the Shopify order to add them and Balance Due adds the difference to the balance.
Staged payments
On Shopify Plus you can split the balance into scheduled instalments. On other plans it is one payment, which suits most garden buildings. See payment plans and instalments.
Garden rooms and cabins questions
Will a customer's card accept a balance of several thousand pounds?
Usually, but banks sometimes decline or challenge large charges the customer did not start. Balance Due then sends a pay link, and a payment the customer makes themselves can pass the bank's check.
Can I add a base or electrics after the order?
Yes. Edit the Shopify order and Balance Due adds the difference to the balance.
Do made-to-size buildings have a 14-day cancellation right?
In the UK, goods made to the customer's specification are generally outside the 14-day right to cancel online purchases; standard models usually are not. This is general information, not legal advice.
Not on the list?
If your customers commit before the work is done, Balance Due fits. Tell us what you sell and we will suggest a plan.