Originally Posted by LaurieE
Another option would be to have a contract between you and the client. Basically the client would have to sign a piece of paper stating the price and whatever other conditions you have (i.e. a deposit or other payment arrangements, etc) before you begin the work. They would think twice before signing the contract because that's a legal document and you could then take them to court since they commissioned work from you. That would certainly stop the 'I can't afford this right now' hoping you would lower the price.
My husband and I had a contract with a couple who rented our restaurant. When they defaulted several months on rent and utilities an attorney told us that a contract is "only worth the paper it is written on." We ended up losing quite a bit of money. Another time we took a customer to small claims court. We paid the filing fee, and never got anything from the consumer.
I think you're very wise to ask for a deposit up front.