That feel when someone approaches you for a commission, you give them the price, they say it's good, and you ask for half up-front so I know this is serious and I get the green light to go. I get the half half on completion and satisfaction.
Still haven't gotten paid. It's been several days, and we were at a clip of a message a day between the two of us. I just had to remind him I'm waiting.
@Dinh AaronMk
That really sucks :/
Not being paid is one of the reasons I'm afraid to take commissions. No matter the art, we pour our hearts and souls into our work, and then more often than not, the requestor bails. Now I'm not familiar with your medium, but as for myself with my knit and crochet work, it's easier on me to make something and then sell it. It's probably what I'll stick to. If I did a commission, I'd probably ask for 75-100% up front to check their seriousness.
I really hope your requestor gets back to you and pays you.
If you are doing digital work (e.g. web design, digital painting), take a photo (not a screen shot!) or a video of the finished piece and send it to the customer to see if they are satisfied, tilt the camera at a bit of an angle so it can't be "screengrabbed" but they can still get a good look. Agree to send the finished digital file(s) once the full amount has been paid. (you can accept half upfrotn and half on completion, or wait to get the full sum at the end, always make sure you get paid before sending off the finished project).
As for hand drawn pieces or crafts, take a picture, don't send the finished "hard copy" until you're paid.
Its common sense really btu I've been duped before. When you're starting out its SUPER easy to get taken advantage of but you gotta tough it out and stick up for yourself!!
I hope you get what you're owedAaron, keep annoying the customer because you deserve it!!! I hate artists getting shafted but it happens all the time!!! I'm really nervous my screenplays will be stolen once I start pitching to studios and producers so I'm going to get an agent first, even though they take a portion of your pay-cheque, I'd rather that and get established than get shafted 2 or 3 times before finding someone honest and trustworthy!
Good luck!!!