Asking for a deposit protects you from doing work that never gets paid for, and it filters out clients who were never serious. Done professionally, it’s completely normal — here’s how to ask and how to invoice it.
Why take a deposit
A deposit commits the client, covers your early costs, and improves cash flow on longer jobs. For new clients, larger projects, or custom work you can’t resell, it’s standard practice.
How much, and how to ask
Common deposits run 25–50% of the total. Set it on the quote so it’s agreed before work starts, and phrase it as routine: “To book you in, I take a 50% deposit, with the balance due on completion.” Confidence matters more than apology.
Invoicing the deposit and the balance
Issue a deposit invoice for the agreed amount up front. On the final invoice, show the full total, then the deposit already paid as a deduction, leaving the balance due. This keeps your records clean and the maths obvious to the client.
Create a deposit invoice free
Our free invoice generator lets you invoice a deposit and then show it as a deduction on the final invoice — no sign-up.