So I'm a member of another forum where I've been for nearly 5 years now. Tons of feedback, and posts; all that good stuff. Anyways, I offer a service on there, and I recently had another reputed member contact me, stating he was interested in my service. He asked if he could be paid upfront. Mind you, he has more feedback than me at the forum, but doesn't make much of a difference in my opinion. Now, I don't want to lose clients in these scenarios. Would you let a reputed member pay you once you've completed the work? I sort of took offence to it, as it instantly sends of the message that I don't completely trust you (then again, he could say the same about me asking him to pay upfront). What do you guys think?
I would never start accepting payment after completion of work. The only thing I accept from time to time is 60% upfront, 40% after completion.
I wouldn't start work on a project without being paid up front. Now matter how well intentioned all parties are it opens the door for trouble. Home Depot didn't let me leave the store with my new leaf blower Saturday without paying first.