Consulting and freelance deposits

Setting your consulting fees is one thing, but do you ask clients to make a deposit when they hire you? Asking for a deposit poses several benefits.

Benefits of a deposit

  • May help provide legal proof that you’ve entered a contract — money or "consideration" has changed hands
  • Reminds the client that they’ve entered a binding contract
  • Scares off some people who had no intention of ever paying you
  • Ensures you’ll receive at least something, if the client disappears without paying
  • Improves your cash flow situation, so you can pay your bills while you’re doing the work
  • Protects you if a client decides to cancel the contract before you start — when you’ve already turned away other paying work
  • Reduces the amount of credit you’re extending to the client
  • Allows the client to spread payments over a period of time
  • Provides some money for you to pay subcontractors and third parties

Professionals expect deposits from their clients. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for money upfront.

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