As a general rule, website design companies follow the same format of payment terms with a few variations depending on the company you are dealing with.
For instance, most website design companies will require a deposit before beginning development, usually anywhere from 10 - 50% of the total amount that they have quoted you. This deposit will cover initial start-up costs such as planning your website design, administration, setting up a hosting account etc and is also a demonstration of your commitment to the project.
Subsequent rounds of payment are dependant on the size of the project: ie if your website design is particularly large, and is split up into multiple phases, they might require additional funds once a certain milestone or development goal has been reached. These special arrangements should be specified in writing before money changes hands, so that you know where you stand (see Legal Considerations).
Alternatively, they might simply require the final amount outstanding to be paid once the website design is complete and ready to go live. Normally, a website design company will not launch the site until the final payment has been received.
Special note – Before paying the final amount, ensure that you are given sufficient time to inspect the website design to make sure it fits your brief.
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