Assess exposure
Consider custom preparation, third-party purchases, project length, client history, cancellation risk, and the amount of calendar capacity reserved.
The goal is to avoid financing the client while keeping the payment plan easy to explain.
Match payment to progress
Short work may use full payment or a deposit and balance. Longer work benefits from milestone payments before exposure becomes too large.
Tie each invoice to a date or observable event rather than an undefined level of satisfaction.
Write the start condition
State that work begins after cleared payment and required inputs arrive. Explain late-payment pauses and any restart process.
Review local rules and obtain professional advice when deposits, refunds, or cancellation terms carry material risk.