[consulting] being a listed consultant

[Larry Garfield]

On Thursday 29 March 2007 10:21 pm, Rob Barreca wrote:
> Good stuff Simon,
>
> > Often the presumption is that work
> > can be paid for after completion by PayPal and this does not sit well
> > with me *at all*.
> >
> > What do others think about this type enquiry?
>
> I usually do 50% upfront and 50% on completion. Depending on the
> size/type of project you could do it in 25% also for the start, 2
> milestones, and 25% on completion. If a client doesn't feel comfortable
> putting money upfront, I kindly decline and move on.

I'm not sure of the actual numbers, but my company does that as well.  I think 
this was discussed a few months back as well, and the consensus seemed to 
be "bill in stages" with clear milestones and deliverables.  Whether payment 
is by PayPal, check, or delivered using IP-over-avian-carrier, staged billing 
gives both you and the client a sense of security as well as a safe exit 
point if there's a problem that can't be resolved.  

-- 
Larry Garfield			AIM: LOLG42
larry at garfieldtech.com		ICQ: 6817012

"If nature has made any one thing less susceptible than all others of 
exclusive property, it is the action of the thinking power called an idea, 
which an individual may exclusively possess as long as he keeps it to 
himself; but the moment it is divulged, it forces itself into the possession 
of every one, and the receiver cannot dispossess himself of it."  -- Thomas 
Jefferson