the Deposit
Out of context: Reply #3
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- spl33nidoru0
I also always do a 50% retainer, even with regular clients who got used to doing it this way with me.
I meet with the new client and we discuss the possibility of working together, i never do free mockups, and i only effectively start working on the project once the retainer is on my bank account.
It's very critical that you make the client understand that the transfer books your time on his project. Until the transfer is effectively processed your time "belongs" to other clients (even fictional...) who went through the same process. It's only fair and it's a simple rule easy for any client to understand.
Until it's on the account you don't even spend a minute on the project. Once it is they have all your attention.
Experience has proven that whenever I failed to do so, i spend the first weeks between working without motivation and chasing the client daily to check if said retainer had been paid. Ultimately it makes the job/project suck big time as it creates a shity relationship from the start.
Hope this helps!