That client who said 'I'll pay you when I'm happy' never paid

I took a graphic design job from a local restaurant owner back in 2017. She needed a new menu and a logo, and we agreed on $800 total. When I asked for a 50% deposit upfront like I always do, she said she doesn't work that way and would pay when she was happy with the results. I ignored my gut and pushed through three rounds of revisions over two weeks. She kept saying she liked it but wanted small changes, then stopped answering my emails. I never saw a dime. Now I ask every new client how they handle payment before I even start a project. Has anyone else run into this kind of client who uses happiness as a payment excuse?

3 comments

3 Comments

kelly_rivera3d ago

Charge upfront or a nonrefundable deposit, trust me it saves the headache.

the_rose3d ago

Yeah, I used to think asking for money upfront felt aggressive, but @kelly_rivera you're totally right - it weeds out the people who aren't serious before you waste your time.

troyc172d ago

Learned this the hard way after three no-shows in one week, never again.