Unpaid bills are the plague of independent tradespeople and small construction businesses in Switzerland. Tilers, plumbers, electricians, painters — everyone knows the situation: the work is done, but the client doesn't pay.

1. Always issue a written quote

A verbal agreement is worthless in case of dispute. Write a detailed quote with the exact scope of work, price, deadlines and payment terms. Get it signed before starting.

2. Request a deposit before starting

This is a common and legitimate practice. A 30-50% deposit shows the client's commitment and covers your material costs. Warning: without security, this deposit can also cause disputes on the client side.

3. Use a payment security service

This is the most effective method. Platforms like RiveLock allow you to secure funds before work begins. The client has paid, but the money is locked in a secure transit account. You work with peace of mind, and payment is released automatically at the end.

The advantage: the client is also protected. Their funds aren't paid out until they validate the work. It's win-win.

4. Invoice quickly

Don't wait weeks to send the invoice. The longer you wait, the less urgent the client considers it. Invoice on the same day the work is completed.

5. Know your rights

In Switzerland, the limitation period for unpaid invoices is 5 years (art. 128 CO). You can send a formal demand, then a debt collection request via the Debt Collection Office. But prevention is better than cure.

Conclusion

The best protection against unpaid bills is to secure payment before starting. With RiveLock, your client pays upfront via TWINT, card or bank transfer, and you're guaranteed to be paid when the work is done. The client is protected against bad surprises. Everyone wins.

5 ways for tradespeople in Switzerland to avoid unpaid bills