Should I charge a deposit or retainer before work starts?
Yes. Deposits are common for creative work and often range from twenty five to fifty percent depending on scope. They secure the date and cover prep. State the deposit, balance timing, and refund rules on the invoice and in your agreement.
How do I invoice for usage or licensing rights?
Spell it out. Add a line for usage that names where, how long, and in what media the work can be used. Design and voice rates change with scope and media, so clarity matters. Note buyout or renewal terms if offered.
What about revisions and change requests?
Define what is included and what counts as a change. On the invoice, list the base deliverables and the number of revisions. Extra rounds or new requests should be billed as additional services or a change order. This keeps scope and costs clear.
How do cancellations or kill fees work for shoots and venue bookings?
Use a clear policy. Many creatives use a non refundable retainer to hold the date, then set refund rules by timing. For venues, list deposit rules, cutoffs, and overtime charges. Put the policy in your contract and echo it on invoices.?
What is the best way to schedule payments on larger projects?
Use milestones. Common patterns are deposit to start, progress payment at a key deliverable, and final payment on delivery or before handoff. Tie each invoice to a milestone so the client knows exactly when and why payment is due.
How should I handle international clients and taxes
State the billing currency and due date on the invoice. Add required taxes for your region when applicable and note any client tax details on file. For cross border work, confirm tax treatment in advance and keep the terms consistent across estimate, contract, and invoice.
