Payment Upfront Meaning & 5 Tips for Getting Upfront Payments from Customers

What Are the Benefits of Upfront Payment Terms?

There are a number of benefits that come with negotiating upfront payments. These benefits include the following:

Upfront Payment Terms Build Trust

Establishing an upfront payment system can build trust between a business owner and customers. The customer must trust the word of the business owner at first, believing that the product or service will be of great quality, and therefore worth of its price. When the business owner finally delivers the service, and it is indeed of excellent quality, the customer will not only be satisfied, but trusting of the business. They will feel comfortable paying up front in the future, because they are assured of good service. Upfront payment can therefore help build a business’ reputation.

Example: Katie is a costume designer for a film studio. Katie loves buying custom-made jewelry from designers, and she is eager to buy a crown from Jake, an expert. Jake, however, requires payment upfront for his services. Katie is nervous, because she cannot see the finished product before paying a lot of money for it. However, she trusts that Jake is a professional and will produce a quality product. When Jake shows her the finished crown, Katie is thrilled. Now she trusts Jake completely. The next time she needs jewelry for a movie, she knows that she can rely on Jake.

Upfront Payment Improves Cash Flow

For small businesses, especially new ones, cash flow can be a big problem. This is very true for businesses whose services often turn into long-term projects. Upfront payments mean that business owners do not need to worry about late payments or the worry of not getting paid at all.

Example: Shawn runs a carpentry business, and he recently received a request to build a custom treehouse. It takes Shawn three months to source the materials for the project, as well as to draw up blueprints and hire a crew to complete the construction. In total, the project costs $15,000. Two months into the project, the customer changes their mind, saying that they are moving houses and will no longer need the treehouse. Unfortunately, Shawn has already spent $5,000. As a result, he does not get paid for his labor and has lost $5,000. To prevent this from happening again, Shawn decides to start using an upfront payment system. Customers will pay $5,000 before any work begins, then an additional $5,000 halfway through the project. This ensures that Shawn is paid for his work.

Upfront Payment Covers Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Many projects require supplies, software, and labor costs, which are all separate expenses. A partial or full payment upfront ensures that the business owner will be able to afford these expenses. Consider the above example involving Shawn the carpenter. By asking for $5,000 upfront, Shawn is guaranteeing that he has money to buy supplies, such as wood, hammers, and saws. It also allows him to hire a construction crew. This means that the customer is paying for these expenses, not Shawn. In the event the project does not proceed, Shawn is not left in a financial hole from out-of-pocket expenses.

5 Tips for How Does a Business Owner Negotiate Upfront Payments?

For those new to negotiating upfront payments, the process can seem stressful. However, one may rest assured that it is not very difficult, and it becomes easier with time. Indeed, once a business owner becomes used to asking for upfront payments, it soon feels natural. There are a few key points to remember when asking for upfront payments:

1. Be Professional When Asking for Upfront Payments

A business owner should be aware that in the modern world, most people conduct research online. Customers are most likely studying the business and reading its reviews before becoming clients. Therefore, it is important that the business has a professional presence online. This means that a business should have social media profiles, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These should be professionally run, meaning they host quality content, such as well-shot videos and pictures, as well as grammatically accurate and appropriate posts. These profiles should also display positive reviews and provide contact information.

It may also be a good idea to create profiles on third-party websites that customers also frequent. These sites include the following:

• Google
• Yelp
• TrustPilot
• Angie’s List

When communicating with a potential client, it is the responsibility of the business owner to show professionalism. Requests and questions should receive prompt responses. The business owner should explain to the prospective customer how they can benefit from the business’ services or products. Why this business versus the others? Make the customer feel like one’s business is the best option.

An impressive presentation may well convince the customer to pay upfront. If they are confident in a business’ professionalism and past performance, they should trust the company enough to part with their money before receiving the service or product.

Example: George runs a car modification business out of his garage, where he takes customers’ old cars and turns them into hotrods. However, George has a lot of competition in the form of professional companies with dozens of mechanics. George is a one-man business. In order to compete with the other car mod businesses, George compensates by having a well-run, professional social media presence. George provides pictures of his projects on Instagram, videos on YouTube and TikTok, as well as funny, creative tweets on Twitter. When customers search for car modification businesses online, they easily find George’s company. They are able to see his work on social media, and therefore know to expect quality work from him.

2. Know the Value of the Product or Service When Asking for Upfront Payments

In fact, most customers have no problem paying upfront for services or products. Upfront payment informs of them of the total cost, and it implies honesty from a financial standpoint. There is also the implication that the business owner is a professional. They know how much their work is worth and are serious about getting it done right. Customers also appreciate knowing the total cost upfront rather than getting an invoice later that is far higher than expected.

It is crucial, therefore, that a business owner knows the value of their service or product. A business owner should do research on competitors to see how much they charge for similar products or services. To conduct this research, a business owner can search their rivals’ websites or attend industry events.

It is important that services and products are priced right because charging too much can cost a business customers. Conversely, charging too little results in the owner not being paid fairly for his or her labor.

Example: Tyler makes custom furniture. Because his furniture is his own creation, he is not sure how much to charge for it. He decides to ask for upfront payment, because he needs to cover the cost of materials, such as wood, fabric, and tools. However, he decides to charge $8,000 upfront for a sofa. Unsurprisingly, he does not get any customers. No one wants to pay that much for a couch, especially before they have laid eyes on it. So, Tyler goes to an industry convention to see what other creators are charging for their pieces. He decides to charge $5,000 in total, with half provided up front. Customers appear to appreciate this format, and are willing to pay half upfront, viewing it as less of a risk.

3. Figure Out Upfront Costs When Asking for Upfront Payments

After a business owner has established the details of a new project, he or she should then determine the amount of money to be charged upfront. The amount might include the cost of labor and materials or could simply be considered as insurance.

After settling on a price, a business owner should write a proposal that includes a summary of the project and a breakdown of the price. The conclusion of the proposal should include an invoice.

A business owner should be sure to indicate whether they would like partial or full payment upfront, as well as the accepted payment methods and payment deadlines. They should then email the proposal to the customer and offer to answer any questions they might have.

Example: Shirley is a seamstress who makes wedding dresses. A prospective customer emails Shirley asking for a custom wedding dress. Shirley studies the project, for which she will need to buy fabric, lace, pearls, and special sewing tools. She will also need to pay her assistant, who will be helping with the project. Shirley decides that the dress is worth $3,000 in total. She emails the client, telling them that half the cost should be paid upfront to cover the materials and labor. The other half will be paid upon the project’s completion. The customer is happy with this payment plan, and Shirley begins sewing the dress.

4. Negotiate Payment Rates When Asking for Upfront Payments

If a business owner would like to be paid upfront, they must engage in thoughtful negotiation. The key to this negotiation is being flexible. For example, a customer may not feel comfortable paying 100% upfront, even if this works best for the business owner. They may, however, feel better about providing 50% upfront. The business owner should be flexible in this situation, especially if the customer is new. If the project is completed to their satisfaction, then they may return in the future and feel comfortable paying the entire amount upfront.

Also, a business owner should be flexible when it comes to accepting payment. Some customers prefer to make online payments, especially if they are out of state or across the world. In this case, it would be wise to accept payments through PayPal, Zelle, or other payment platforms.

That said, some customers may not want to put their financial information online. To make these clients feel more comfortable, a business owner might offer to accept a check or credit card payment.

It might also be a good idea to allow customers some time to make their upfront payments. A business owner should not expect customers to pay the full amount on the day they agree to the proposal. Rather, they should receive a few weeks to submit their payment.

That said, if there is an urgent deadline, then this period may be shortened, and customers urged to make their payments right away. For instance, if the business owner must purchase a certain material that is in short or limited supply, a sooner upfront payment may be necessary.

And for repeat customers, it may be a good idea to set up a recurring payment system. This way a plan is in place, and there is no need to renegotiate upfront fees.

Example: Clive runs a business where he makes antique Cuckoo clocks. Recently, a new customer has contacted him asking for a custom clock. Due to the expensive, difficult nature of Clive’s work, he asks for the entire payment upfront. The customer becomes a little nervous, unwilling to part with that much money before seeing the final product. Clive does not want to lose their business, so he instead asks for 50% of the money upfront. The customer feels better about this, and they agree. Clive further calms their nerves by offering two weeks for them to complete the payment.

5. Provide Reassurances for Long-Term Projects When Asking for Upfront Payments

A business owner may have a professional and established online presence, but their customers will still require reassurance. After all, they are putting money on the line when they are not sure of the outcome. A business owner can calm their nerves by guaranteeing that the project will be completed by a certain agreed-upon date. This deadline should be included in the written proposal so that there is written confirmation.

A business owner may also offer a money back guarantee or provide a refund policy. Having these options provides assurance, and customers will feel like they have nothing to lose by paying upfront.

Example: Johnny makes surfboards for a living. He has just received an order for a custom shortboard. Johnny asks for 50% of the payment upfront, but this makes the customer nervous. Johnny promises the customer that the board will be finished in a month’s time, and he writes down the date in their agreement. He says that if the board is not finished in that time, the customer will get all their money back. Also, he adds, the customer will receive a full refund if they are unhappy with the finished surfboard.