How to ask for a deposit (with clause wording)

A deposit is the most effective line of defence against “doing the work and not getting paid”. But many people are too uncomfortable to ask, afraid of scaring the client off. In fact, a deposit is standard practice — asking for one professionally makes you look more reliable, not less.

Why take a deposit

Filters out flaky clients: willingness to pay a deposit shows they’re serious.
Protects cash flow: on longer projects, a deposit means you’re not financing the whole thing.
Reduces bad-debt risk: even if things go wrong later, you’re not left with nothing.

How much is right

There’s no hard rule, but common ranges:

30%–50% is typical for most projects.
Longer projects or those with high material / outsourcing costs can be higher, or billed in milestones (e.g. 30% to start / 40% midway / 30% on delivery).
Small, quick jobs may not need a deposit — but invoice on delivery and collect fast.

How to ask professionally

Frame the deposit as standard process, not as distrust of the client:

“My standard process is a 30% deposit to start once we confirm, with the balance due on delivery. I’ll send the invoice — once the deposit’s in, I’ll get started.”

The keys: matter-of-fact tone, a specific amount and timing, and sending the invoice alongside to lower the friction of acting.

How to word the clause

Spell it out in the quote or contract to avoid disputes later:

Deposit amount / percentage and when it’s due (e.g. “30% within 3 days of confirming”).
The nature of the deposit: whether it counts towards the total or is non-refundable on cancellation — make the rule clear.
Start condition: “work begins / is scheduled on receipt of the deposit”.
Balance terms: the balance amount, payment deadline, and a late-payment rate / fee (see are late fees legal).

Put it on the invoice

Use the invoice generator to issue a “deposit invoice” (line item “Project deposit 30%”), then a balance invoice on delivery. To automate the whole collection flow, take a look at Duefy.