Should You Ask for a Deposit? How Much and How to Say It
Starting work without being paid anything is one of the most common freelance mistakes. A deposit does three things: it covers part of your time if the project stops, it shows the client is serious, and it improves your cash flow. Most professional freelancers ask for one.
How much to ask for
There is no single rule, but common choices are between 25 and 50 percent of the total. For a 2,400 project, a 30 percent deposit is 720 and a 50 percent deposit is 1,200. Larger or riskier projects, new clients and work that needs you to buy materials or licenses justify a bigger deposit. Small projects are often paid in full up front.
Milestone payments
For longer projects, split the fee into stages tied to deliverables. For example, 40 percent at the start, 30 percent at the midpoint and 30 percent on delivery: on 2,400 that is 960, 720 and 720. This keeps risk low for both sides and gives clients a clear picture of progress.
Retainers
If you work with a client every month, consider invoicing at the start of the month instead of the end. That is effectively a deposit for the whole period.
How to bring it up
State it as a normal part of your process, not as a request for trust. For example: "To book your project into my schedule, I take a 30 percent deposit. The balance is due when I deliver the final files. I will send the contract and the first invoice today." Say it with the same calm tone you use for the price.
What clients say
Most clients accept it without comment, because deposits are standard in many industries. If a client pushes back, you can offer a smaller deposit, a milestone plan, or start with a small paid first stage. If a client refuses any payment before delivery, take that as useful information about how the relationship may go.
Put it in writing
Write the deposit amount, the due date and what happens if the project ends early into your contract. Decide whether the deposit is refundable once work has started and say so. Rules about deposits and refunds differ by country, so check what applies to you.
Do not start before it arrives
The deposit only works if you wait for it. Many freelancers say that work begins once the contract is signed and the deposit is received. That sentence is easy to say and very effective.
Tools
You can create the deposit invoice with our free invoice generator. If a client pays late, our late fee calculator shows the interest to add, and the template pack includes three reminder emails you can send.