My client in Austin ghosted me after 3 months of work, but it forced me to set up a better payment system.

I was stuck chasing that final $2,500 invoice for weeks, so now I take a 50% deposit before I even start a project. Anyone else have a solid deposit rule that saved them?

3 comments

3 Comments

mary3091mo ago

It's wild how this happens everywhere, not just with work. People just bail on plans or promises all the time. @troy_jenkins is right about needing that clear rule in place, it's the only way to protect your time.

troy_jenkins1mo ago

Deposits are good, but a clear kill fee in the contract is the real safety net. It sets the terms for when a client disappears mid project. That way you get paid for the work done, not just the work finished.

hugo_singh14d ago

Ever notice how clients who ghost you always seem to vanish right after the "final approval" email? Classic move. My deposit is just the fee for learning their real name isn't actually "Sincerely, Best." Now if they disappear after paying half, I just consider it a charitable donation to my sanity fund.