1/2 or 1/3 deposit upfront and then other payments of maybe 10-20% when certain milestones are completed. And never start work without a contract which has bee

1/2 or 1/3 deposit upfront and then other payments of maybe 10-20% when certain milestones are completed. And never start work without a contract which has been reviewed by a lawyer and that clearly states payment terms and repercussions for non-payment.