I was debating whether to tell this story but I’m not mentioning any names, jobs or locations, so here’s the gist of the conversation:

Me: If everything goes OK at the next meeting I’ll be asking for some money then and will therefore issue an invoice

Client: No need, here’s the money for the next stage.

Client hands over cheque for the next stage advance payment. For the full amount. Prior to me issuing an invoice.

Client: In my work, the clients that pay in full, without giving hassle, in advance, without me having to send endless reminders; go to the top of the pile to get their work done. I make sure their work is done first, before the rest.

I’m tending to find I work the same way. Now that’s a client.