Can a South Australian Tradie Ask for More Than 10% Upfront?

In its Consumer and Business Services (CBS) guidance, Beware rogue tradespeople (figures checked 1 October 2026), a request for more than 10% upfront on minor domestic building work under $20,000 is a reason to consider other quotes, not a stated legal deposit cap. For domestic building work costing $20,000 or more, CBS says the maximum deposit allowed by law is 5% of the contract price. A larger-job tradie may also request advance payment for third-party expenses, such as planning approvals and building indemnity insurance; the amount requested should match the quote or contract, and the tradie must provide proof of purchase, such as a receipt.

Where does the $20,000 threshold change the answer?

The important distinction is between a deposit and a third-party expense. The cited guidance discusses advance third-party costs separately from the 5% deposit limit.

What should I do if more than 10% is requested upfront?

• Ask for an itemised and fixed quote, then check its total cost rather than focusing only on the call-out fee.
• Seek advice from at least three different tradespeople and invite each to provide a quote. CBS says this helps identify the necessary work and whether suggested tasks are unnecessary.
• Compare both the proposed scope and the total price. Different quotes may recommend very different work.
• Even when a situation seems urgent, CBS says obtaining three quotes can help avoid hassle and money problems later.
• Check that apparently separate businesses are not trading names connected to the same company.

A request above 10% does not automatically establish that a smaller-job tradie is dishonest. It does provide a clear reason to slow the decision down and compare the scope, total cost and credentials of other tradespeople.

How should I check a third-party expense?

For a larger job, a tradie may request advance payment for planning approvals, building indemnity insurance or another third-party expense. Before paying:

• Check that the amount requested is the same as the amount shown on the quote or contract.
• Ask for proof of purchase, such as a receipt.
• Keep the supporting document with the quote and contract.

The cited CBS guidance does not explain whether third-party expenses should be counted towards the 5% maximum deposit. It presents advance payment for those expenses separately, but does not provide a calculation showing how the two categories interact. Do not assume that a third-party label changes the legal deposit limit; check the contract and current regulator guidance.

How can I check that three quotes are from different businesses?

Some companies trade under several names, so three apparently different businesses may be connected. A practical check is to:

• Note the tradie’s licence number.
• Search the CBS licensing register to see which business and trading names are connected with the licence.
• Make sure the person is licensed for the type of work required.
• Deal only with someone whose licence permits the work they will perform.

By law, builders and tradespeople must display their licence number in advertising, including on social media, websites and business cards. A licence can also be viewed digitally on a phone or tablet or checked on a plastic licence card. CBS can be contacted on 131 882 if you need help checking a licence.

What if the tradie pressures me to agree on the spot?

Be firm and politely say no. CBS identifies pressure tactics such as uninvited approaches, unnecessary upselling, threatening behaviour and limited-time pricing.

A sale may be unsolicited if you invited a tradie only to provide a quote but entered into a contract while they were there, or if you agreed to additional work during an upsell. If an unsolicited contract is over $100, CBS says there must be a written contract and a 10-day cooling-off period. With very limited exceptions, the business must not supply products or services or accept payment during that period.

This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Before relying on a payment term, check the current Consumer and Business Services regulator page and any relevant insurance policy’s Product Disclosure Statement.

Sources

• Consumer and Business Services — Beware rogue tradespeople

FAQ

Can a South Australian tradie legally ask for more than 10% upfront?

The cited CBS guidance does not describe a request above 10% as unlawful for minor domestic building work under $20,000. It says such a request is a reason to consider other quotes. For domestic building work costing $20,000 or more, however, 5% of the contract price is the maximum deposit allowed by law.

Does a third-party expense count towards the 5% deposit limit?

The cited guidance does not say. It states that advance payment may be requested for third-party expenses, but it does not explain whether those amounts count towards the 5% maximum deposit. Check the quote, contract, proof of purchase and current regulator guidance.

Can I insist on paying only when the smaller job is finished?

CBS notes that some tradies only require payment at the end of a smaller job, but it does not state a blanket right to defer all payment. Agree on the payment schedule in the quote or contract and compare it with other quotes.

Should I get more quotes if asked for more than 10% upfront?

Yes. CBS specifically says that a request above 10% on a smaller job may be worth considering other quotes. It also recommends seeking advice from at least three different tradespeople, checking that quotes are itemised and fixed, and comparing their total costs.

What should I do if I sign after an uninvited sales approach?

If the resulting unsolicited contract is over $100, CBS says it must be in writing and you have a 10-day cooling-off period. With very limited exceptions, the business cannot supply services or take payment during those 10 days. If pressured at home, say no rather than agreeing immediately.