Lately, I’ve had a few clients ghost me right when payment is due.
I’m curious if requesting upfront deposits really helps with getting paid. I worry it could put off new clients, but honestly, I’m tired of dealing with unpaid invoices.
I started asking for half upfront after a client left me hanging on a big job. Now I take a deposit before ordering materials or starting work. This covers my costs, so if they disappear, I don’t lose money. In two years, a few clients walked away due to the deposit, but they didn’t seem reliable anyway. Good clients understand deposits are part of the deal. Don’t overcomplicate it. It’s a straightforward rule.
Yeah deposits help but some people still disappear anyway.
Upfront deposits definitely work. I’ve been doing 30% deposits for about a year now and it filters out the time wasters pretty quickly.
Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Serious clients don’t hesitate - they understand it’s standard
- Problem clients reveal themselves early - they’ll make excuses or try to negotiate out of it
- You work with more confidence - knowing you already have something in your pocket
The key is being matter of fact about it. Don’t apologize or over explain. Just include it in your proposal like any other business term.
I actually wish I started doing this sooner. Those ghost situations you mentioned? They rarely happen when someone has already paid you something upfront. People don’t just walk away from money they’ve already spent.
Most folks who skip deposits are the same ones who skip final payments too.
I do 25% upfront and it cuts down on payment issues big time. The clients who complain about deposits are usually the ones who cause problems later.
It’s not just about the money either. When someone pays upfront, they’re committed to the project and actually respond to your messages. Makes the whole job smoother.
Started asking for 50% upfront about two years ago after getting burned by three clients in a row. Best decision I made.
Yes, you’ll lose some prospects. But the ones who walk away are usually the ones who would have given you payment headaches anyway. Good clients understand deposits are normal business practice.
My unpaid invoices dropped by about 80%. When people have skin in the game from day one, they take the project more seriously. Plus you’re only chasing half the money instead of the full amount if things go sideways.
I frame it as “project initiation fee” instead of deposit. Sounds more professional and less like you don’t trust them.