Trusted by 10,000+ industrial small businesses

Why Demolition Contractors Are Switching to Nickel

Unlike traditional payment processors that treat you like a "high-risk" business, Nickel was built specifically for trade professionals who handle large invoice-based transactions. We understand that:

  • $125,000 commercial building demolition projects are standard business operations, not suspicious activity
  • Emergency storm damage cleanup creates sudden payment surges that banks incorrectly flag as unusual
  • You need reliable processing during disaster recovery periods when quick cash flow can make or break your business
  • Your profitability depends on predictable payment timing, not account freezes from banks that don't understand demolition work

Result: No surprise account holds, no "business verification" delays, no risk department calls when you're processing legitimate demolition payments.

Why Demolition Contractors Are Switching to Nickel

Unlike traditional payment processors that treat you like a "high-risk" business, Nickel was built specifically for trade professionals who handle large invoice-based transactions. We understand that:

  • $125,000 commercial building demolition projects are standard business operations, not suspicious activity
  • Emergency storm damage cleanup creates sudden payment surges that banks incorrectly flag as unusual
  • You need reliable processing during disaster recovery periods when quick cash flow can make or break your business
  • Your profitability depends on predictable payment timing, not account freezes from banks that don't understand demolition work

Result: No surprise account holds, no "business verification" delays, no risk department calls when you're processing legitimate demolition payments.

Before Nickel vs. After Nickel

Before: The Old Way
  • Complex workflows
    Multiple systems for invoicing, payments, and bookkeeping
  • Account holds
    Banks freeze accounts over routine $125,000 commercial demolition payments
  • Processing fees
    Lose 1-3% on every transaction ($1,250-3,750 per typical project)
  • "High-risk" treatment
    Banks don't understand demolition business patterns
  • Manual reconciliation
    Hours spent matching payments to invoices in QuickBooks
  • After: The Nickel Way
  • One simple system
    Everything integrated: invoicing, payments, and QuickBooks sync
  • Process large payments worry-free
    We understand large and variable transactions are normal for demolition contractors and our support team is highly responsive if you ever run into issues
  • Zero fees on ACH
    Keep 100% of what customers pay you
  • Built for demolition contractors
    Designed around how your business actually works
  • One-click QuickBooks sync
    Your invoices and payments automatically sync to the right customer, demolition project, and job code, plus seamless AP integration
  • The Demolition Industry's Silent Cash Flow Emergency

    The $9.7 billion demolition industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, yet contractors face unique financial pressures that traditional payment systems weren't designed to handle. With only 4,566 demolition businesses nationwide and just 22,000 workers in the entire industry, demolition contractors operate in a specialized niche that most banks simply don't understand.

    Disaster Response Payment Complexity:

    Natural disasters like Hurricane Milton in 2024 and Hurricane Ian in 2022 create sudden demand surges where demolition contractors might process 5x their normal monthly volume within weeks. Insurance companies, FEMA, and property owners all have different payment timelines, creating a complex web of receivables. When a single storm generates thousands of demolition jobs simultaneously, traditional banks see these payment spikes as red flags rather than legitimate disaster response work.

    Material Recovery and Recycling Revenue Streams:

    Modern demolition isn't just about tearing down structures - it's about material recovery and recycling. The push toward sustainable demolition practices means contractors now generate revenue from multiple sources: the demolition service itself, salvaged materials like steel and copper, and recycled concrete aggregate. This creates complex billing scenarios where a single project might involve 3-4 different payment streams over several months, confusing payment processors designed for simple transactions.

    Equipment and Safety Cost Pressures:

    Demolition requires specialized, expensive equipment that most other contractors don't use. A hydraulic excavator with a demolition attachment costs $400,000-600,000, while environmental safety equipment for asbestos abatement adds another $50,000-100,000 per crew. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that 1.3 million workers are potentially exposed to asbestos during demolition activities, requiring specialized safety protocols that add significant upfront costs before any revenue is generated.

    Infrastructure Project Payment Delays:

    The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created opportunities for bridge and infrastructure demolition work, but government payment cycles are notoriously slow. Federal demolition projects often involve 60-120 day payment terms, with additional environmental compliance requirements that can delay payments even further. When you're financing specialized equipment and hazmat crews for months before getting paid, cash flow becomes critical.

    The Demolition Industry's Silent Cash Flow Emergency

    The $9.7 billion demolition industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, yet contractors face unique financial pressures that traditional payment systems weren't designed to handle. With only 4,566 demolition businesses nationwide and just 22,000 workers in the entire industry, demolition contractors operate in a specialized niche that most banks simply don't understand.

    Disaster Response Payment Complexity:

    Natural disasters like Hurricane Milton in 2024 and Hurricane Ian in 2022 create sudden demand surges where demolition contractors might process 5x their normal monthly volume within weeks. Insurance companies, FEMA, and property owners all have different payment timelines, creating a complex web of receivables. When a single storm generates thousands of demolition jobs simultaneously, traditional banks see these payment spikes as red flags rather than legitimate disaster response work.

    Material Recovery and Recycling Revenue Streams:

    Modern demolition isn't just about tearing down structures - it's about material recovery and recycling. The push toward sustainable demolition practices means contractors now generate revenue from multiple sources: the demolition service itself, salvaged materials like steel and copper, and recycled concrete aggregate. This creates complex billing scenarios where a single project might involve 3-4 different payment streams over several months, confusing payment processors designed for simple transactions.

    Equipment and Safety Cost Pressures:

    Demolition requires specialized, expensive equipment that most other contractors don't use. A hydraulic excavator with a demolition attachment costs $400,000-600,000, while environmental safety equipment for asbestos abatement adds another $50,000-100,000 per crew. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that 1.3 million workers are potentially exposed to asbestos during demolition activities, requiring specialized safety protocols that add significant upfront costs before any revenue is generated.

    Infrastructure Project Payment Delays:

    The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created opportunities for bridge and infrastructure demolition work, but government payment cycles are notoriously slow. Federal demolition projects often involve 60-120 day payment terms, with additional environmental compliance requirements that can delay payments even further. When you're financing specialized equipment and hazmat crews for months before getting paid, cash flow becomes critical.

    Simplified Modern Workflow

    1 Number Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

    Send invoice (or use your existing invoicing)

    Left Arrow Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com
    2 Number Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

    Customer pays instantly via secure link

    Left Arrow Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com
    3 Number Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

    Payment auto-syncs to QuickBooks

    Left Arrow Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com
    4 Number Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

    Money hits your account in 2 business days

    Built-in QuickBooks Integration

    Your payments automatically sync to the right invoice, customer, and job. No more:

  • Manual entry errors
  • Mismatched payments
  • End-of-month reconciliation nightmares
  • Hunting through bank statements
  • Compare: Nickel vs. Other Payment Platforms

    Payment Capabilities Nickel QuickBooks Pay Melio Payments Forwardly
    ACH bank transfer ✅ Free ❌ 1% with no cap ❌ 5 free / month ❌ Defaults to 1% Instant ACH
    Requires Plaid ✅ No ✅ No ❌ Highly encouraged ❌ Yes
    Credit card ✅ Flat 2.9% ❌ 2.99 – 3.8% ✅ Flat 2.9% ❌ 2.99% + Fees
    Mail a check ❌ $2 ❌ No ✅ $1.5 ❌ No

    What This Means for Your Demolition Business

    Save Money

    Money Bill Fly Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

    Zero ACH fees: Save $12,000-25,000 per year on a typical demolition business No hidden costs: No setup fees, monthly fees, or surprise charges Early payment discounts: Pay and get paid faster, capture supplier discounts

    Save Time

    Wealth Time Money Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

    Automated reconciliation: 3+ hours per week saved on bookkeeping Instant invoicing: Send payment links directly from job sites One system: Stop switching between payment apps, banking apps, and QuickBooks

    Reduce Risk

    Lock Key 1 Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

    Process large payments worry-free: We understand demolition transactions and provide responsive support when needed Predictable processing: Money hits your account in 2 business days Secure payments: Bank-level security without the bank headaches

    Demolition Industry Payment Breakdown

    The demolition industry's unique position as both a service provider and materials recovery operation creates payment complexities that traditional banking relationships weren't built to accommodate.

    Market Concentration and Specialization:

    With only 4,566 demolition businesses operating nationwide, the industry is highly specialized and concentrated. Unlike general contractors who number in the hundreds of thousands, demolition contractors operate in a niche market where projects can range from $15,000 residential teardowns to $5 million commercial building demolitions. This massive variation in project sizes confuses traditional payment processors, who may flag large commercial demolition payments as potentially fraudulent.

    Regulatory Compliance Costs:

    Demolition work involves complex environmental regulations, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos, lead paint, and PCBs. The European Commission's Waste Framework Directive mandates 70% recovery of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, while similar U.S. regulations require specialized handling procedures. These compliance requirements add significant upfront costs - often $25,000-75,000 per project - that must be financed before any client payments are received.

    Seasonal and Disaster-Driven Revenue Patterns:

    Unlike other construction trades, demolition work is heavily influenced by external factors beyond normal construction cycles. Natural disasters create sudden demand spikes, while urban redevelopment projects cluster around specific seasons. The residential demolition market alone was valued at $23.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $30.5 billion by 2033, driven largely by storm damage and urban renewal projects. This creates feast-or-famine cash flow patterns that traditional banking relationships struggle to accommodate.

    Material Recovery Revenue Complexity:

    Modern sustainable demolition practices mean contractors often generate revenue from multiple streams within a single project. A commercial building demolition might include the demolition service fee, salvaged structural steel sales, recycled concrete aggregate sales, and hazmat removal services. Each revenue stream has different payment timelines - the demolition service might be paid in 30 days, while material sales could take 60-90 days depending on market conditions and buyer payment terms.

    Demolition Industry Payment Breakdown

    The demolition industry's unique position as both a service provider and materials recovery operation creates payment complexities that traditional banking relationships weren't built to accommodate.

    Market Concentration and Specialization:

    With only 4,566 demolition businesses operating nationwide, the industry is highly specialized and concentrated. Unlike general contractors who number in the hundreds of thousands, demolition contractors operate in a niche market where projects can range from $15,000 residential teardowns to $5 million commercial building demolitions. This massive variation in project sizes confuses traditional payment processors, who may flag large commercial demolition payments as potentially fraudulent.

    Regulatory Compliance Costs:

    Demolition work involves complex environmental regulations, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos, lead paint, and PCBs. The European Commission's Waste Framework Directive mandates 70% recovery of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, while similar U.S. regulations require specialized handling procedures. These compliance requirements add significant upfront costs - often $25,000-75,000 per project - that must be financed before any client payments are received.

    Seasonal and Disaster-Driven Revenue Patterns:

    Unlike other construction trades, demolition work is heavily influenced by external factors beyond normal construction cycles. Natural disasters create sudden demand spikes, while urban redevelopment projects cluster around specific seasons. The residential demolition market alone was valued at $23.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $30.5 billion by 2033, driven largely by storm damage and urban renewal projects. This creates feast-or-famine cash flow patterns that traditional banking relationships struggle to accommodate.

    Material Recovery Revenue Complexity:

    Modern sustainable demolition practices mean contractors often generate revenue from multiple streams within a single project. A commercial building demolition might include the demolition service fee, salvaged structural steel sales, recycled concrete aggregate sales, and hazmat removal services. Each revenue stream has different payment timelines - the demolition service might be paid in 30 days, while material sales could take 60-90 days depending on market conditions and buyer payment terms.

    Ranked #1 Easiest to Use Payment Solution by G2

    See why Nickel outranks every major competitor, including Forwardly, Melio, and Square

    No items found.

    Get Started in Minutes

    No contracts. No setup fees. No risk.

    Sign Up (2 minutes)

    Basic business information, no lengthy applications

    Connect QuickBooks (1 click)

    Automatic integration with your existing setup

    Start Getting Paid (immediately)

    Send your first payment link right away

    Ready to Fix Your Payment Problems?

    Stop losing money to fees and time to complicated workflows. Join thousands of contractors who've already made the switch.