50% deposit vs net-30: invoicing terms

50% deposit vs net-30: invoicing terms
Your payment structure is a risk decision. Route by client type:
— New client, no track record? 50 percent deposit, 50 on delivery. No deposit, no shoot date. This is your default.
— Established brand with a procurement process? Net-30 is unavoidable, but require a signed PO before you start.
— Small creator-to-brand gig under $500? Full payment upfront; chasing $200 isn't worth the hours.
Tradeoff: deposits protect cash flow but scare some enterprise clients; net-30 wins bigger logos but delays your money 30+ days.
Framework: Deposit the Unknown, Net-30 the Established. Save this terms router and never quote without picking one.