A deposit is part of your fee paid up front, before you create anything. For a new creator, 50% upfront is a fair, normal ask — not greedy.
Why it matters: a deposit protects you if the brand ghosts after you've filmed and edited. It also filters out flaky clients — serious brands pay deposits all the time; scammers suddenly go quiet.
Simple example: deal is $600. You request $300 to start, $300 on delivery. You film only after the first $300 lands.
Your move: add one line to your reply — "My terms are 50% to book the date, 50% on delivery." If they refuse entirely, treat it as a yellow flag and proceed carefully.
Deal Desk 101
@DealDesk101
New to deals? Start here: should I ask for a deposit?
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