How do you deal with payments

Personally, I do half up front and half on delivery. However, clients I've dealt with several times will often pay the whole amount up front.

Of course, the up front cost is based on an estimate, so I also make sure the clients know that the price may change somewhat, but that I will keep them updated.

I've had a couple of sites where the cost doubled or tripled, making the second payment much bigger than the first. It wasn't a big deal, though, as I kept the clients in the loop as we developed the sites.

I take 30% up front usually. I find if I get the whole lot up front I'm less motivated to get the job completed

Agreed with Andy. 30% up-front, rest upon completion.

I ask for 50% percent up front and the rest on completion.

Q...

Use an escrow service as much as possible. Most freelance websites like mine offer an escrow service. You don't get paid until the project is done. But the client will not get his money back either if you complete the job satisfactorily.

I used to do a 30-30-40 model. It didn't work well for me. So I am back to 50-50. That works really well and I have not had complaints. However, when prople are on a tight budget I can get creative if I want!

Brooke's absolutely right. Part of the advantage people see in dealing with small businesses (or individuals) to do things like web design is their flexibility. So make sure you're flexible!