Re: Fitter wants 50% deposit before starting work should I give it to him?
If you are talking about wardrobes that are being custom-made for your home, I can see where the trader is coming from. What if a customer has a change of mind (or financial circumstances) after time and materials have been committed?
I'd check out the trader as far as reasonably possible and, if everything looks good, I might pay 50% on strict conditions: not far in advance, but immediately before work commences, and with an installation date fixed for not too long after.