Hello,<p>One good way is to charge a initial design fee and then give a 'refund' on design work if the customer takes the job.<p>Heres an example.<p>You go to a house and the people want a complete package, including front walk/rear patio, foundation/island planting, etc.<p>What I do is this. I say I want to do a design and that the cost of the plan is $400. If they want one done, I ask for half the cost up front (200) before I start anything. This is a great idea because what it does is 'scare' away those annoying homeowners who ask you to come over 4 times to talk to them and then decide to have someone else do the work.<p>After getting the deposit check, I then do the design and upon completion take it to the homeowner. Here, I give the homeowner 4 choices. <p>1. they like the plan and decide to go with me for the work - what I do then is say that because I am doing the work I will not charge them the extra 200 for the plan (even though I figure it in to the overall cost anyway) and everything is well.<p>2. They like the plan, but want changes - I will make any changes necessary for no charge as long as they want me to go ahead with the work<p>3. They like the plan, but don't want me to do the work - Here, I then sell the plan to the homeowner. I will only leave a plan at someone's house once a check for the second 200 dollars is received.<p>Here is a problem. A lot of guys do plans and then let the homeowner 'review' it for a couple of days. Bad idea. Remember one homeowner who took the plan, copied it, and then said he didn't like it and wouldn't pay for it...it happens. Which leads me to the 4th option.<p>4. Homeowner decides to be a SOB and not want the plan or the work. Well, if after some 'polite' talk with the client no ends can be met, then you may end up not getting anything. At this point, you leave the client, take the plan, and at least walk away with 200 dollars for your troubles. <p>Most of my work is referral, so I never really had any problems getting money or having anyone have a major problem with my work/design. Have had some problems while designing for other companies, but the point here is this.<p>Always get money up front before doing any plan.<p>Unless you are absolutely sure the deal is done, (like working for your mom.....) and you won't get shafted, don't even start thinking about doing anything till the check is in your hand.<p>maybe of some help.<p>steveair