The best thing you can get out of this is a learning experience. As a freelancer, I always insisted that I don't work until I've been paid in advance. If that's

The best thing you can get out of this is a learning experience. As a freelancer, I always insisted that I don't work until I've been paid in advance. If that's a 50% initial down payment or a series of partial payments, get them first, then work toward the milestone they represent. Have them sign that these payments are non-refundable. It's so easy to get burned by clients refusing to pay, but if you have the money you have the power. If he had already paid you $300 and you decided he owed you $273 of it, you could give him back the $27 and call it done. If a client refuses to put down deposits in advance, I wouldn't trust them. Some clients are jackasses - that's just a simple fact. I've noticed that the less you charge, the higher your chances of running into one. Fortunately, for small amounts it's pretty reasonable to ask for 50% down up front. It allows you a last resort. If you really can't come to an agreement, you can say I'm sorry, you're not living up to your end of the contract, and so I'm keeping your deposit and if you want to continue development we'll have to work out a separate agreement. I've had to do this a few times and while it's unfortunate at least I'm not out any money. At this point I generally give them all of the files and everything that's been produced up to that point and just ignore any more angry communications.