Fees and timing
Freelance deposit before kickoff
An upfront payment protects your calendar before you start. State the amount, when it is due, and how it is credited.
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Short answer
Should freelancers ask for a deposit before starting?
Yes, for most paid projects. Ask for a clear upfront share before kickoff, for example 30% to 50% of the project fee. Say when it is due, that work starts after it clears, and how it is credited against later invoices.
Why take a deposit
It confirms the client is serious. It covers early materials and the week you blocked.
It is not a kill fee. A deposit is paid to start. A kill fee settles a cancel after work begins.
Simple structures
Percentage of total fee. For example, 40% before kickoff, 60% on delivery.
Fixed starter amount. For example, €500 before kickoff on a larger project.
Milestone with deposit as the first milestone. For example, 30% to start, 40% at draft, 30% at handoff.
What to write in the proposal
Amount or percentage. Due date. Work starts after the deposit clears.
How it is credited on later invoices. Whether it is refundable, and under what conditions.
If they push back
Offer a smaller first slice with a later milestone. Or a shorter first phase with its own fee.
Do not start a full project on a promise alone.
Related pages
If you want tools later
You do not need these to use the guide. One-time files.
Also: change-order email page · blank change-order template · Payhip store
FAQ
Is a deposit the same as a kill fee?
No. Deposit starts the work. Kill fee settles a cancel after start.
What if the client delays the deposit?
Do not kick off. Move the start date once it clears.
Not legal advice. Match your contract and local rules. This is a process aid, not a lawyer.