The survey also found 68% said they were chasing late payments, with 23% juggling four or more unpaid invoices at a time, with the average amount written off by tradespeople £1,646.
“Some customers have lost their jobs or loved ones which makes it hard for them to afford to pay,” Angela added.
“We are reasonable with the genuine people really struggling.”
The cost of living has been rising for the past few years – with inflation hitting things such as food, energy, rent and mortgages.
As part of a family company based in Newcastle Emlyn, Angela tries to be sensitive to each customer’s situation.
Their electrical work focuses on agricultural, commercial and residential projects – but it’s the “bigger jobs” such as rewiring, solar and green energy systems that have seen some customers struggle to pay.
Whereas, in the past, customers accepted estimates, they often now want to know the full cost before committing.
“Before they just booked us in, knowing roughly how much it would cost,” she added.
It’s not simply a case of chasing debt after work is done, and Angela tries to build relationships with customers.
They have brought in policies, such as payment by the hour to help customers cope, and she said: “It is a difficult times for everybody.
“The price of everything has gone up so much.
“We need the work with five electricians on the road, so we try to work with the customer and what they need.”