full payment up front

[Claydon Lad]

I have to agree with you there Andy, I do the same thing.
When you explain to the customer you pay for the kitchens on delivery or at the time of ordering, I haven't come accross any problems. When you're prepared to accept the installation costs on completion and only when the customer is satisfied - that is where the 'give and take' is accepted.
I generally do a % on order and the remainder % on completion. That way at least you'll have enough funds to start with, to buy all the materials you need plus a bit to get things rolling.