Run

Hows their reputation is it verifiable? How long they been in the biz? I would have thought they would want a contract of some kind to.

That is a GREAT suggestion, if these guys are supposedly good and have a good rep but oooh no, they can't sign a contract because let me guess, they have never had a problem with a customer then fine, they put it in and when they are DONE you will pony up the cash!!!

I have bought three lifts in my life, they installed it and I met them there that afternoon to check it out etc, and wrote them a check when they were done... I wish my clients were at the job the afternoon we were done and wrote a check that day, standard is 30 to 60 days and 90 is not uncommon.

My thought would be to RUN!!! plenty of Companys out there that dont mind signing a contract to do what there being paid to do!!!

I used to have a lift in a slip that I rented.I paid in full when it was done and my boat was on it.No way I would pay 5k up front with nothing in writing.People work faster when they have not been paid yet.