Let’s talk about money for a second. Specifically, deposits. I charge 50% upfront for every project I take on. Not 10%, not 25%, and definitely not “we’ll pay you when it’s done.” Half up front, always.
Why? Because I’ve learned the hard way.
When I first started freelancing, I was hesitant to ask for a deposit. I didn’t want to scare off potential clients or seem too aggressive. I wanted to be easy to work with. I figured once they saw the quality of the work, the money would follow.
That worked out exactly how you think it did.
Projects would drag on. Clients would disappear halfway through. And the worst — the absolute worst — was doing all the work, sending the final invoice, and then watching emails go dark. No reply. No payment. Just silence.
That’s when I realized: a deposit isn’t just about money. It’s about mutual respect.
When a client puts down 50%, they’re showing they’re serious. They’re committing to the process. They’re saying, “Yes, I trust you and I’m ready to invest in this.” And that changes everything. The energy is different. There’s more accountability on both sides.
For me, it means I’m not chasing people down or second-guessing whether the project will even happen. It gives me the freedom to focus, plan properly, and do my best work. It also protects my time. If someone flakes after the kickoff, I’ve at least been paid for the hours I put in up to that point.
It’s not about being rigid. It’s about being professional.
If you’re a freelancer or run a small studio and you’re not charging 50% upfront, I strongly encourage you to start. You’ll weed out the time-wasters. You’ll avoid a ton of stress. And you’ll quickly realize that the clients who hesitate to pay a deposit are usually the ones who cause the most problems down the road.
Good clients get it. Great clients expect it.
It took me a while to get comfortable saying, “It’s 50% to start, and the remaining balance is due at launch.” But now, it’s second nature. It sets the tone for the entire project — clear expectations, mutual commitment, and no awkward conversations about money halfway through.
So if you’re still doing the “let’s invoice at the end” thing, maybe it’s time to level up.
Charge 50% upfront. You’re worth it.
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