I have a client that is committing on a system with us , however the project wont even be ready for rough in for probably 4 months.

Do you guys ask for retainer payments up front and what percentage of contract do you ask for?

Normally if you going to do any sort of pre-work, you should get a design fee.
Other than that it's usually 40% down, 50% before trim, 10% final.

All contracts you structure should be similar in nature but may have different types of payment schedules. It's always good to make sure the customer has a financial commitment in the project as you do as well. Even though the rough-in will not happen anytime soon, I am sure you are doing research and design in this phase that requires some type of compenstation or up-front money. Also, your scheduling has a lot to do with it. If I were a buyer I would want to leave a deposit. That way I know that my priority is set and that I won't be bounced or put in the back-burner for another project.

The important thing to do is to structure an agreement where you are both happy. It may take negotiating, but it's meant to protect the both of you.

Good Luck

Always get something down. It always happens when I don't get a deposit the client starts shopping around and gets quotes that may appear lower and then I waste my time on the phone having to defend my pricing. When I get a deposit the client mentally thinks his shopping is over or if they do shop around a little I know I have a "lock" on the deal. If anyone has sold home improvement ANYTHING that is the first cardinal rule. If they say "yes" get a deposit. Any amount you can.

I think you'll have a hard time getting a signficant deposit on an installation that is 4 months away.  

But, even a small "design fee" of $100-$200 will make the client feel indebted to you and less likely to leave or shop around. 

The great things about these types of installs is that you've got months to build a relationship with the client, show them that you're on "their team"  before any work actually begins.  

My suggestion is to just check in with them periodically (maybe once a month).  Just check in, see how the project is coming, see if their is anything you can do for them before work starts, offer to meet with the builder or interior decorator, etc.  

If you do these very simple things, you and the client will have a great experience.  On your end, you've had 4 months to get a feel for the client, and get comforatble with them.  On the clients side, he'll view you as the only guy on the project that he doesn't have to worry about.  

Makes for a very nice transaction.

Do check in. Let them know about new products or solutions. Tell them about recent projects to keep them excited. The will drift without interaction. The minutes spent reaching out will be worth $$$.

Do try to get some design deposit. It might be too late. But you can always use the priority placement on your schedule to secure it. I would always put something down to ensure my project is not delayed.

I hate construction at my house.

Did I mention that it is under construction now......argh

+1 !!!

If it was me I would request the initial deposit as normal regardless of how long til starting.

Never had a client balk at that

my deposit is 100% of the equipment. projects that start 6 months or more later get charged 40% of labor because its more then likely the equipment we specced would be outdated by the time trim out happens. once the day comes for trim out to start the equipment must be paid in full.

I dont bankroll equipment anymore.

Here in California you can only legally collect a 10% deposit so that's what I get when the contract is signed.  The rest comes in progress payments that vary in percentage depending on the project.

I request the progress payments two weeks in advance of the next stage that makes sure I already have payment before ordering materials or equipment.