i've gotten down payments for cranes a few times, or check when it/we shows or leaves (b4 total completion); $150 @7or 8 hrs. can add up quick!
i like getting paid at end as sign of agreed, successful, satisfactory completion. i'm with local BBB and teach people not to prepay (verbally!), unless someone is putting a load of roof tile or other major investment on their driveway; have heard too many stories, so i don't 'teach' them that it is okay, by allowing it and showing them it can go right. Kinda like not giving candy to a kid, so they don't go on thinking that is okay to take candy from a stranger, esp. one that looks like me! Mostly, older people (who should be more experienced in story and practice) are the ones that try to pay early; and are targets for others. i tell'em any tree, lawn, pressure cleaning etc. person should have their own equipment, and the gas to do the job!
i have some customers, that i might not bill till i bring in a 'payday' of several bills to the office, a few times that has gone on for a few months of small stuff b4 i do! Have never gotten burnt except....... by other tree guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In fact, have tried to help people out, and they have pissed me off so bad i left uncompleted, won't take money, don't want nothing of 'em! Months later, this guy had someone else screw the tree up in the back, he sees me, starts his song, i let him know i didn't want to talk to him about his lousy money (this guy was something else); so he said F U, i'll put it in the truck................................. Hmmmmmmmmm; well, i informed him if he went near my truck; when 'they' came; i would say i thought he was trying to steal it! It took about 3 more steps for that to sink in.............