VCIP’s TrustMark Escrow Service is there when you need it

When agreeing payment terms with a customer, especially a new one, confidence matters.

That’s where your TrustMark accreditation helps.

TrustMark offers an optional escrow payment service for UK installers to help protect installers and homeowners during a project. It’s designed to increase security at the point of sale and reduce the risk of payment disputes once the work is finished.

As the only UK Government-endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople, TrustMark continues to strengthen trust between installers and customers – and the escrow service forms part of that wider offering.

What is an escrow service?

Simply put, escrow is a secure way to hold payment while work is being completed. Instead of the installer holding a deposit directly, the money is placed into a secure third-party account and release once the agreed work is completed. It’s a way to add reassurance on both sides of the job.

How the TrustMark escrow service works

The process is super easy:

• The customer’s payment is placed into a secure escrow account
• The installer completes the agreed work
• Once the work is finished, the payment is released to the installer

By securing payment from the beginning, the service helps create a clear and professional payment process.

Why installers find it useful

Escrow can be particularly valuable when working with customers who are unfamiliar with your business or cautious about upfront payments.

Benefits include:

• More confidence with new or first-time customers
• Reduced friction around deposits
• Supports project completion
• Demonstrates professionalism when discussing payment terms

While there is an additional cost to use the service, for new relationships or larger, higher-value projects, many installers consider it a practical investment in trust and risk management.

When to consider using TrustMark escrow service

The TrustMark escrow service is well suited to:

• First-time customers
• Higher-value or more complex jobs
• Situations where customers are hesitant about deposits.

Offering a secure payment option can help remove uncertainty and make it easier to move projects forward.