> Try to get as much of the contract as you can paid up front - I generally ask for half or more up front. If a company offers Net 30 ask if you can shorten it

> Try to get as much of the contract as you can paid up front - I generally ask for half or more up front. If a company offers Net 30 ask if you can shorten it to Net 5 or 10 or submit your invoices in advance. Anyone can suggest some good reading material on how to structure payment tranches? Do people charge a retainer? If so what percentage? when the work starts is it “pay as you go” or after completion? Does Net D apply to work start or completion?