Better ways to say “I need upfront payment”

Say this instead

1. 01

   Before we begin, I'll need payment in advance. Once the invoice is settled, I'll confirm the start date and get going.

   Client · Email

   Fits a new client at the start of a project because it ties the start date to one clear next step.

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2. 02

   Happy to take this on. I work on a payment-first basis, so I'll send the invoice now and start as soon as it's paid.

   Client · Chat

   Friendly and brief, so it suits a quick chat right after the client has said yes.

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3. 03

   Hi Justin, quick note: I work on payment in advance. The invoice is in your inbox, and I'll start as soon as it's paid.

   Client · SMS

   Suits a client you already text, since it makes the term sound routine.

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4. 04

   Thanks for your order. We take payment before work begins, so the invoice is attached. We'll schedule the job once it's received.

   Customer · Email

   Good for one-off customers because it presents payment first as how you always work.

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5. 05

   Hi Simran, this order is payment-first. I've emailed you the invoice, and I'll book your slot once it's paid.

   Customer · SMS

   Short enough for a text, and it gives the customer a single clear action to take.

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6. 06

   Thanks for the details. For this contract, I'd like payment in advance, before I begin. Could you confirm that works on your side?

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Useful when an agency sits between you and the end client and you want the term settled before agreeing to start.

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7. 07

   Can we confirm the client's payment has come in before we kick off? I'd like to hold off on starting until it has.

   Coworker · Chat

   Helps when a colleague is eager to start and you need the client's payment received first.

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Examples

What to avoid

• Don't apologize or over-explain, since that makes a normal term sound like a favor you're asking for.
• Hinting that you don't trust them, for example with “after what happened last time”, will only put them on the defensive.
• Leaving the term vague causes confusion, so say what is due and what happens once it's paid.
• Bringing it up after work has started makes it feel like a change of rules, so say it before you begin.

Related phrases

• “I'm declining your quote”: how to say it politely→
• Better ways to say “you owe us money”→
• Better ways to say “is there any wiggle room”→
• A kinder way to say “we can offer you a discount”→
• Saying “I need a deposit” at work→
• Saying “you are suspended” at work→