Is charging your client up front for print bad form?

[bigdave]

Generally, I charge 50% of the total job upfront. This covers the printing costs and a bit left for me to be getting on with. Until now, I've had no issue with non payment but as my freelance workload increases, I know that it will only be a matter of time before someone stiffs me! With this in mind I am thinking of either taking a back seat with regards to arranging print or reconsidering the level of upfront payment I take.

[Katedesign]

If you are placing a lot of print then talk to your printer - he might be giving trade rates to you and may be willing to take on your client as the principle (and charge them more) and give you a commission on the job. After all he hasn't had to go and get the work and if he has sales people he will be paying commission/wages/car/petrol etc.

If you are paying up front for the print then at least get 50% but I would suggest going for 100%. If you pay first and then have to wait 30 days for your money you are funding that money for 40 days approx..... are you making that much on it?

[bigdave]

My printer has always worked on 30 day invoice on account of me working for him through college but I'm looking at other printers and deals at the moment to compare quality etc... What can I say, I'm an ink whore!! lol




Is there a tattoo in there?

[p1oessi]

I always charge all my customers upfront, there is just to many promoters that fail to pay after.

[VLAHAKISA]

Nearly every printing firm wants up front payment for print runs, so the customer shouldn't be surprised to be asked for up front payment.

It's entirely reasonable given that it's an actual physical product and not a service only.

I ask for full up front for any printing. Never had a client question that once.

Amanda