My mentor warned me to always get a 50% deposit from a new client in Phoenix, but I gave in when they pushed back.

They ghosted after I delivered the first draft of their website, leaving me out $2,500 and a month of work, so what's your best method for holding firm on payment terms without scaring off good clients?

3 comments

3 Comments

john50618d ago

Man, that's the worst feeling. I got burned once and now my rule is non-negotiable. I explain the deposit covers my reserved time and materials before I even start, and that it's a standard business practice. If a good client pushes back, I just politely say I can't schedule the project without it. It actually makes you look more professional, not less. The only people who run from a 50% deposit are the ones who plan to ghost you.

claire_craig3218d ago

My first freelance client in Austin talked me down to 25% upfront. Honestly, I spent weeks on a logo they just took and ran with. Now my contract locks the final files until the last payment clears.

tarar3818d ago

Hey @claire_craig32, been there. I started using watermarked previews only until full payment. That saved me last time.