Methods
I accept payment via direct deposit (ACH) or credit card (Stripe).
Schedules
Before beginning Phase I, clients pay a $1000 initial deposit.
After completing all customer interviews planned for Phase II, I send clients a Net 30 invoice for the total fee minus their initial deposit.
(Ex. If the project scope is three customer stories, then the invoice amount is $5000.)
Guarantees
Since I believe in tying payment to performance, I provide two guarantees.
#1 – I guarantee clients will secure at least one customer commitment within 30 days of kickoff.
If we do not achieve that result, despite pitching at least three customers, then clients are eligible to request a refund of their initial $1000 deposit.
#2 – I guarantee clients will see all milestones achieved, stories approved, and assets delivered within 30 days of kickoff.
If we do not achieve that result, despite on-schedule participation and feedback from the client, then clients are eligible to request a refund of their initial $1000 deposit.
Regardless of whether a refund is requested, clients will retain access to all project assets and I’ll complete the full scope of work with the same high standards.
Bottom Line: I believe these policies fairly incentivize both sides to invest the resources and adopt the habits that generate strong results fast.