The short answer
For most project work, a deposit — typically 25–50% to start, the balance on delivery — is the fair standard. It commits the buyer, funds the pro’s start, and keeps both sides invested until the end. Reserve full payment up front for small, fast, or low-trust-needed jobs, or established relationships.
Full payment before any work is done shifts all the risk to the buyer. Sometimes that’s reasonable (a $50 quick task, a repeat client). As a default for real project money, it’s a flag worth questioning.
The real differences
| Deposit | Full upfront | |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer’s risk | Limited to the deposit | Entire fee at risk |
| Seller’s risk | Covered to start | None |
| Commitment | Both sides invested | Buyer carries it |
| Best for | Most project work | Small or repeat jobs |
| Cash flow for seller | Partial now, rest later | All now |
| Trust required | Balanced | High, from the buyer |
Where each one wins
Deposit wins: custom work, anything spanning more than a few days, and new relationships. Milestone payments extend the idea — pay in stages as work is accepted — which suits larger projects. It’s the structure that keeps incentives aligned to the finish.
Full upfront wins: small fixed tasks where invoicing twice isn’t worth it, digital products delivered instantly, deep-discount prepaid packages, and clients with a track record. On a platform with buyer protection, some upfront risk is buffered — but structure still matters.
Fair terms for both sides
Good terms name the numbers and the triggers: how much to start, what releases the balance, and what happens if either side walks. Vague terms are where disputes live. Put it in the contract, not the DMs.
Sellers should read deposits and payment schedules and use the freelance contract template; buyers can brush up on how a deposit protects them.