deposit before commencing work. - Freelance UK Forums

mikeyoung · 07-03-2009, 11:45 AM

Hi Folks,

I have a quick question/research question.

When you take on new clients, do you insist on a deposit before commencing work for them?

How much is a reasonable amount?

In the current climate it makes sense, any client that isn't willing to do so is probably not worth working for.

What's the general opinion.

Cheers.

Mike

Mully79 · 07-07-2009, 01:24 PM

Hi there

I always insist on a deposit. I get that out of the way first, and if they don't get back to me then in all likelihood they would be the ones I'd be chasing for payment at the end of a job, had they not put any money down first. A deposit is a safety net, things can and do go wrong in the course of a project, so at least I have something to show for a job that I may have difficulty getting full payment from.

For some of the services I offer (i.e. t-shirt printing) which is generally bespoke and requires materials to be purchased up front, were they to go elsewhere without doubt they would have to pay 100% up front, so it's not unreasonable for me to ask for a 50% deposit at least.

I used to take jobs on without doing this, which was a mistake - customers will take advantage if they haven't yet parted with cash and if you don't make it clear what your charges are. I now have my own invoices & quotes with small print, it's made crystal clear and if they don't like it, then they can go elsewhere.

louise

07-03-2009, 11:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
mikeyoung Regular Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 25	deposit before commencing work. Hi Folks, I have a quick question/research question. When you take on new clients, do you insist on a deposit before commencing work for them? How much is a reasonable amount? In the current climate it makes sense, any client that isn't willing to do so is probably not worth working for. What's the general opinion. Cheers. Mike

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07-07-2009, 01:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mully79 New Poster Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4	Hi there I always insist on a deposit. I get that out of the way first, and if they don't get back to me then in all likelihood they would be the ones I'd be chasing for payment at the end of a job, had they not put any money down first. A deposit is a safety net, things can and do go wrong in the course of a project, so at least I have something to show for a job that I may have difficulty getting full payment from. For some of the services I offer (i.e. t-shirt printing) which is generally bespoke and requires materials to be purchased up front, were they to go elsewhere without doubt they would have to pay 100% up front, so it's not unreasonable for me to ask for a 50% deposit at least. I used to take jobs on without doing this, which was a mistake - customers will take advantage if they haven't yet parted with cash and if you don't make it clear what your charges are. I now have my own invoices & quotes with small print, it's made crystal clear and if they don't like it, then they can go elsewhere. louise