Freelancing without upfront deposits so far. Honestly, I’ve heard enough horror stories to feel uneasy about it.
I wonder if asking for a deposit makes me seem distrustful. How do others balance this without turning away solid leads?
I just ask for materials cost upfront usually.
Deposits are standard now. Most clients expect them if they’ve worked with freelancers before.
I frame it as protecting both of us:
- Shows they’re serious about the project
- Covers my initial time investment
- Creates clear project boundaries
I usually ask for 25-50% depending on project size. Clients who push back hard on reasonable deposit terms often become problem clients anyway.
You can soften it by calling it a ‘project retainer’ instead of deposit. Sounds more professional and less like you don’t trust them.
I never call it a deposit. I tell clients we split payment in half - 50% to start, 50% when done. Sounds like normal business instead of me not trusting them.
I’ve done this for years and lost maybe two clients over it. Those two would’ve been payment nightmares anyway. Good clients get that this is how contractors work.
Put it in your quote upfront so there’s no surprise. Don’t apologize or explain why. Just state it like any other business term.
Taking half up front is fine. If they hesitate, I look for another client.
Start small if you’re nervous. I asked for just enough to cover my first week instead of jumping straight to 50%.
What worked for me:
- Test it gradually - started at 20%, then 30%
- Include it in every proposal - never an afterthought
- Stay matter of fact - no long explanations
You’ll be surprised how normal it feels. Most clients just say okay and move on. The ones who make a big deal about small upfront payments? Red flags for other issues later.
I wish I’d started sooner. Would’ve saved me from two clients who ghosted after delivery.
Good clients don’t mind deposits. I always ask for 30% upfront.
Anyone who complains about it? They’re the same people who’ll stiff you later. Better to weed them out now than chase payment after you’ve done the work.
Got burned on a $3,000 project and learned this the hard way. My accountant told me to always invoice the first milestone before starting - game changer.
Don’t call it a deposit. Break your project into phases and bill phase one upfront. Website project? Invoice “discovery and wireframes” before you write a single line of code.
Clients think they’re paying for real work, not because you don’t trust them. If they don’t pay, you just stop before the next phase.
Good clients pay immediately. Sketchy ones make excuses or try negotiating it down. Better to find out now than after you’ve delivered everything.