Cash Jobs Are Riskier Than You Think.
There are too many builders and tradesmen out there bragging about their cash jobs like they’ve discovered some secret hack to success.
But after ten years in the industry, I’ve seen more than one builder lose everything because they thought they could outsmart the system.
I’m sorry, but if you accept cash jobs, then you’re an idiot. Here are four major risks you’re taking on when you do your next cashie
You’re throwing away your own legal protection.
As a builder or tradesman, your Terms and Conditions are there to protect YOU, first and foremost.
So when you do an “under the table” cash deal, you’re bypassing your own policies, procedures and protections.
With a cashie you’ve got zero paper trail to back you up. Not even a record of the client accepting your quote.
So what happens when your client suddenly decides they never agreed to those additions? Or claims your work is defective?
This could cost you serious money.
Insurance companies aren’t interested in verbal agreements.
When you do a cash job, you aren’t covered by your homeowners insurance or public liability insurance.
This means that if something goes wrong on site, it really goes wrong...
No public liability insurance = you're personally on the hook if someone gets hurt.
Property damage? That's coming out of your pocket. Tools get stolen? Too bad.
Sure, you could take them to court. But those lawyer’s fees add up fast.
Living on cash is shooting yourself in the foot financially.
Avoiding tax is illegal.
But there’s another reason why accepting cash jobs is committing financial seppuku.
Yes, you’ll save yourself money in taxes in the short-term, but let’s think bigger for a second.
Cash jobs cheapen your brand.
Think about what cash jobs say about your business.
Every time you offer a cash price versus an “on the books” price, you’re telling your clients that you’re willing to break the rules.
Those high end clients who can afford proper rates? They’ll run the other way.
The path to success isn't about gaming the system - it's about being a legitimate business owner.
It might feel slower at first, but it's the difference between building an empire and staying a backyard operator forever.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Josh