My dad told me to always get half up front, and I finally get why

When I first started doing freelance work on the side, my dad, who ran a small print shop for 30 years, drilled that rule into my head. I thought it was old school and would scare off new people, so I ignored it for a while. Then I got burned on a big website project last year, about $2,500 worth of work, where the person just ghosted after delivery. I spent months sending emails and even a formal letter, but nothing. If I'd asked for half of that upfront, at least I would have gotten something for my time and effort. Now, for any job over $500, that's my first line in the initial email. It sets a clear tone and filters out the folks who were never serious about paying in the first place. Has anyone else had a rule like this that they fought against but now swear by?

4 comments

4 Comments

sandra_moore303mo ago

Yeah that's a solid rule. My uncle was a contractor and said the same thing about deposits. It saved him so many headaches with flaky clients.

harper_burns593mo ago

But what if the client is actually good for it?

finleym371mo ago

My cousin Tom got burned by a "good client" for $4,200 on a kitchen remodel last year. The guy seemed solid, paid the first invoice on time, then just ghosted him halfway through the job. Now Tom won't even pick up a hammer without half up front. That story alone changed my whole view on deposits. Better to have a little awkwardness asking for money upfront than to eat a huge loss later because someone's circumstances changed.

sam_cooper3mo ago

Trust me, you'll regret not taking a deposit. Even the "good" clients can suddenly have money problems and leave you hanging.