Exchanging programming services for money is a great idea in the long term, but it typically takes on the order of months until the first chunk of money arrives

Exchanging programming services for money is a great idea in the long term, but it typically takes on the order of months until the first chunk of money arrives Freelancers should require a deposit upfront. 50% for jobs <= 1 month, 30% for jobs > 1 month. The rest can be paid at milestones or hourly/daily. If it's hourly/daily , bill bi-weekly, and try to get paid net 15 [1]. For long term jobs, if the client does net 30+, increase the deposit to secure your cash flow. And always use a contract. 1: http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2010/03/02/the-best-invoice-payment-terms-to-help-you-get-paid-faster-and-more-often/ http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2010/03/02/the-best-invoice-p...