It's unusual that I can begin a project right away, the 10% deposit is just to secure the project in to my schedule. I decide on a starting date with the clien

It's unusual that I can begin a project right away, the 10% deposit is just to secure the project in to my schedule. I decide on a starting date with the client and detail it in the proposal, when work is due to begin I'll request the second payment. Though if it's a short amount of time the client will usually just pay the full 50%.