Finally got a client to pay a 50% deposit after three years of trying

For the longest time, I was scared to ask for money up front. I'd do the whole project, send the invoice, and then wait. Sometimes for months! I noticed a lot of other freelancers in my network do the same thing. It matters because you're basically giving a free loan and taking on all the risk. Last month, I added a line to my proposal saying a 50% deposit was needed to book the time. My first client under this new rule just paid it, no questions asked. It feels like a huge weight is off my shoulders already. I can buy the stock photos and software I need without dipping into my own cash. Has anyone else found a good way to explain deposits to clients without sounding pushy?

4 comments

4 Comments

ericw9318d agoTop Commenter

How did we all get tricked into being the least secure line of credit for small businesses? I spent years doing the same thing, basically running a bank that only gives out loans and never gets paid back on time. Framing it as "securing your spot on the calendar" is the only line that ever worked for me.

amyh1218d ago

Honestly saw a piece about this exact thing, @ericw93, calling it a "hidden tax" on being self-employed. Tbh that framing hits hard.

murray.robert18d ago

Remember those old company towns where you got paid in scrip to spend at the company store. The 30-day net terms thing feels like a digital version of that. You're not just giving a loan, you're locking your own cash into their supply chain. So when they take 60 days to pay, you're basically paying to keep their shelves stocked while your own bills pile up.

phoenix_singh253d ago

Just call it a booking fee, makes it sound standard. Clients get it way easier that way.