I got a question for all of you who is doing SEO/Design service for offline clients.

how do you get paid? do you let them pay you after or do they pay you up front? and if they pay you up front how do you make them trust you? and if they pay after you have given your service how can you be sure that you will get paid?

I think the buyer should pay first (look at ebay, etc)

If you're providing a high priced service you can ask 1/3 upfront then 2/3 on completion or something similar.

Have some referrals - such as previous clients (*), which will allow your new clients to trust you.
Offer a great support.
Offer a detailed rapport after completion (make the client feels safe).

You can very often find the right deal, it truly depends on the client, and don't refuse overdelivering from time to time when you smell the long term client.

NOTE : reputation has it's importance (*)

My 2cts,
peace.

you must have a good reputation and portfolio. You can also offer 50 payment up front, and 50 after, until you build your reputation

If you have some good reputation or some good rveviews on your sales page etc , then client will not hesitate to pay you upfront . But not all clients are same SO if you have some reputation and review then you can set to have upfront to start the project .

It all depends on the type of customers that you are going after.

For design is they are small companies or mom and pop we do half upfront and the rest when finished or offer a 15% discount if they pay in full.

IF they are a large company then we set them up on net 30 terms after we do a credit check.

Thanks alot everyone that have spent time by answearing my newbie questions.

I agree with you emeraldodge +1