[jameswyse]

The number one rule: Have a contract.

You can find a fairly good example of a contract here: http://stuffandnonsense.co.uk/content/dl/2010/05/11/contract...

This is how I work, it's working well though I am still fairly new at this as well.

After talking with the client I'll put together a proposal which details the full scope of the project and the estimated cost. When the client agrees with the proposal I'll send a contract which details my payment schedule which is generally in 3 stages:

1) 10% of my estimate is due on contract signing 2) 40% of my estimate is due before work can begin on the project 3) The remaining 50% is due on completion.

Once the contract is signed I send over an invoice for the 10% deposit payment.

The 50% up-front payment weeds out any clients that were never going to pay, and I don't hand over any assets until the final fee has been paid.

[pestaa]

What happens between step 1 and 2? You already detailed the requirements and the target milestone in your proposal. What happens after the contract is signed but before the work can begin?

[jameswyse]

It's unusual that I can begin a project right away, the 10% deposit is just to secure the project in to my schedule.

I decide on a starting date with the client and detail it in the proposal, when work is due to begin I'll request the second payment. Though if it's a short amount of time the client will usually just pay the full 50%.