Hot take: Taking deposits saved my skin last month

I had a client try to bail after I finished the job, but my deposit policy meant I still got paid for my time. Figuring out to always charge half upfront was a game changer for my cash flow.

4 comments

4 Comments

lunawest4mo ago

Last quarter I started asking for a third upfront for longer projects. It totally changed how clients show up to meetings, like they're more bought in from day one. Does it help them take the timeline seriously too?

amy_henderson834mo ago

50% deposits always seemed like overkill to me. Your story about getting paid despite a bailout convinced me it's necessary.

seth_hayes4mo ago

I started doing 40% upfront after a client ghosted me mid project. Like @lunawest said, it really filters out people who aren't serious and makes them respect the work more.

drew_reed621mo ago

Fair enough but have you actually lost money from ghosting or just worried about it?