[SaintDog]

I've been working with people over the internet for 6-8 years now and each project I've taken on has required the client to submit a 50% deposit before the project would begin.

Given, I also let the client know that the 50% deposit is 100% refundable should they decide to back away from the project and 50% or more of the project is not completed already.

With that small bit of information, I've never had an issue with a client that was not solved and I've never had an issue with a client paying 50%, whether it was a project quote of $50, $500 or $1000.

Trust is a major player, a portfolio to raise the level of trust and finally being friendly and professional has been a key player to any and all projects. It helps when you actually seem to care about their project and when you give them the idea that you care.

My thoughts, if you don't care, don't bother contacting someone. We all get busy, though if you're truly busy, explain it to a client and let them know. Generally, most don't care to work out an extension, given they don't need it the next day.