[popowich]

Anything $50 and under you should be able to get up front.

For larger projects I think 1/2 up front and 1/2 when 50% or 100% done with the project is fair.

If the worker does not have any references they'll just have to deal with not getting paid until they have completed the project and built up a list of happy clients.

It's on the worker in this case to check the owners reputation and references for past work that they have paid for.

If the is still not enough trust I'd think at least one of the parties involved has not done their homework.

Perhaps a 3rd party escrow service would be the answer in this case?

-Raymond