[MadRhino2323]

Hello!

I have been designing websites for over 10 years now, and I understand your concerns when it comes to paying for a job.

First of all, be sure to do your homework before you decide to hire anyone. Check his/her portfolio, ask for references and call his/her recent clients and ask them how they paid for the project and if the job was done in a professional and a timely manner.

Be sure to have a contract ready for him to sign. There are many FREE contact templates out there that should meet your needs. If not, look into hiring an attorney to write one up, depending how big your project is of course!

Be sure to get at least 3 quotes on your project!

The project size determines what I ask for up front.

- If it is less than $500.00 I would require all it up front.
- If it is more than $500 but less than $1000.00, I ask for 50%.
- Anything over $1000.00, I ask for 33% up front and the rest after I complete the job and before I post the site.

If you have the option, ALWAYS try to pay with a Credit Card, that is enough security by itself! If they try to take the money and run, you can always dispute the charge. The way CC merchants work is he will not get the money for at least a month anyways!

If he/she asks to be paid by PAY PAL, be sure to use the PAY with a CREDIT CARD option without opening an account and never fund your PP account just to pay them. If they take it and run, you will have a very hard time get your money back with PP.

If they only accept cash, do not hire them. Move on to the next!

Hope this helps a little!