Do you ask for pay in advance?

[George Butterfield]

A low budget indie producer wants me to DP with my Epic-X for one month. I have worked for him before. I said I will do it, but my terms are Five Thousand Cash in advance, to be paid by midnight on the first day of production. How successful are you in getting money up front?

 

[Gunleik Groven]

50% up front and the rest on delivery is not unheard of.

Or smaller chunks.

If you're uncertain about liquidity, an agreement where the producer cannot have the material untill the job is paid, usually does wonders...

 

[Mark Phelan]

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to bill partial payments. It has never been an issue for me, and if it ever was, then the client was probably going to have a hard time making full payment anyway. Plus, it allows for better cash flow, allowing you to run your business efficiently. Don't let clients use you as their bank, unless you charge for it.

I typically bill in thirds or halves, depending on the project and customer. If it is a very good client, I might not pre-bill, but that is based upon prior experience.

One more tidbit, if you are ever approached by someone running for political office, the payment must be 100% up front, before production begins.

 

[Nick Pasquariello]

One more tidbit, if you are ever approached by someone running for political office, the payment must be 100% up front, before production begins.

For reasons of self preservation and ensuring actual payment? Or is there some legal reason for doing so; something having to do with campaign finance laws?

 

[Tom.Wong]

If its a feature you should be paid weekly, usually every thursday. Works for both parties so that nobody is really stiffing each other. Producer sees you working through the week, but you arent committing so much time to get ripped off for a whole months work. For equipment, its usually all up front or a deposit.

 

[Mark Phelan]

For reasons of self preservation and ensuring actual payment? Or is there some legal reason for doing so; something having to do with campaign finance laws?

The former, not the latter. Political campaigns are notorious for not paying their bills. Don't be suckered into that black hole unless you're in a position to give away your services for free.

 

[Mark Phelan]

And here is a great example of why you always, ALWAYS make sure you are paid 100% up front, cash-on-the-barrel-head before working with a political campaign, regardless of the party affiliation and especially if you know the candidate as a friend.

 

[Paul Russell]

Always 50% up front. No questions. We are making a custom product that cannot be returned, resold or re-used.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

50% upfront and the balance 50% can take up to 90 days, but in Italy or with really any one small client I don't know, then the 50% balance upon delivery or no delivery!!