Down Payments?

["JW" <golf4nospam@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi All,
Our contracts state that we will receive a 50% down payment upon signing
with the balance billed after completion. Today, a new customer (who already
signed the contract and sent a large downpayment since it's a big job)
called very upset about the practice. He said no other vendors require it
and that it smacks of being a fly-by-nighter. I think it smacks of sound
money-management... but of course it made me wonder what the norm is in the
industry so thought I'd ask for some feedback.

Thanks for sharing!