Asking for a deposit.

After reading Julian's excellent How to write a web design contract thread, I decided that when I do go into business for myself, I should ask for a deposit before work begins as outlined by Julian.
However, after seeing the details of the Peter Avey situation (see the whole story), I started thinking that maybe it's not such a good idea. For instance, if I begin a design but for one reason or another are unable to complete it, is the client within their rights to ask for a refund? Or, if halfway through the job the client decides to go with someone else do I have to refund them then, or am I entitled to keep the money because whether or not the site was finished I did do work on it?
My main concern in all this is if I do take the deposit and something like this does happen but I don't refund them, I don't want to be labelled a scammer simply because I want to be paid for the work I've already done.

What are your thoughts on the issue?

A deposit is a deposit no matter how you look at it. Just state clearly in the contract that the deposit is non-refundable.

But what if the client doesn't like the design???
I mean allmost "all" clients i ever had would never do that , cauze they always say if it's not good , i won't take you :s .

Most of these clients are those cheap young kids >_<

If you're only charging $25-50 for a deposit on a $100+ design.. And they disagree, you're weeding out the bad clients.

If you do it right with no lying or 'forgetting' to notify your client about it. You should be fine.

State that you require a certain % upfront before any work is done and you will do a basic concept. On presenting the design to your client they have the choice of requesting a refund or continuing the design however forfeit the right to request a refund.

A basic concept may take only 20 minutes or so, nothing too fancy. Just a basic outline of what it will look like. If they dislike it you probally don't want their business anyway.

you should state that if the client chooses to find someone else to do the work the deposit is non-refundable, but if you are unable to complete the project then the deposit will be refunded. That way you dnt get screwed for doing work unless its your own fault.

Just my 2 cents, i hope it helps.

I agree with NeiL. Asking for a deposit is fairly standard procedure.

There's alot i gotta learn -_-

Originally Posted by Animus If you do it right with no lying or 'forgetting' to notify your client about it. You should be fine.

Yep, if your honest, your reputation won't be damaged at all, and the client will take the rough end.