When should I collect payment?

[mikezip007]

I have found myself doing small, one off jobs for people that need something cut together. We'll meet to go over general outlines of the project, I'll cut it for a day or two and deliver a DVD. No review cuts or anything, just the one edit. We'll negotiate a price (usually a few hundred dollars) and they usually pay cash for these small edits.

My question is: what is the best way to collect the money? Before doing the work? After it's completed? Half and half?

 

[grinner]

Half down and half when done is best. 30 day net is quite the norm though.

 

[Voytech]

I think it's reasonable to ask for a "good faith" deposit. Although sometimes if they are giving you masters to work with, that in itself is your "insurance".

 

[Casalen]

If I don't know the person, I ask for a small fee before I work and final before delivery. If I know them and suspect they won't screw me over I take payment at the end.