Chris Gwynne

Lately I've only been charging clients upon completion of the work, 100% when I've fully done. I used to do 50% before hand, 50% when finished. But back then I felt less motivated to do the work because I'd already had 50%.

Now I'm driven to do all the work to get the 100% payment.

What's your preferred payment method in this situation?

Garrett

Id say use 10-25% Upfront, incase they back out and get them to sign a contract so they dont ask for a claim so you can show PayPal...that its there problem

Super Mod

I think that you should definitely take at least 50% before taking a job. You don't want some client to not pay you after you've given them the work because they just don't like it or felt that "you didn't meet the requirements." You need to ensure that you're being paid at least something for your hard work.

Tim

I absolutely always take at most 50% upfront.
If it's a big project I'll take 25% upfront then break it down into smaller stages.

Don't let yourself get into a hole of completing work and never being paid for it!

kris

I think charging a percentage up front is a good idea. That shows some good faith from the clients that they are going to be good paying customers.

Chris Gwynne

I'm going to start taking 50% upfront again.

anteater

Good idea

And if you have trouble being motivating, perhaps you are not charging enough to make yourself feel its worthwhile doing all that work?

A price rise might be in order