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