[Princeton]

I'm another that does not accept any project without a 50% deposit.

I do however, offer (toll-free) telephone support, a paypal business account, a registered business in the state of NJ, and, if requested--references (from accountants, store owners, vb members, etc) ...

Here's a good list in conjunction with what is already here when looking for hired help:

1. View current work that coder has done.
2. View coder's responses to questions posted here.
3. How long has the coder been a vb member?
4. Ask for full name/address
5. Hire people locally (county, state, nation)
6. Hire only those that you can verify ... if in doubt, do not hire
7. Ask for references
8. Ask for a telephone number (very important - you can verify address/locality of person with a phone number)
9. A big PLUS -- Depending on type of project make sure coder has a good understanding of USABILITY ... without usability in mind great projects fail.