1099 Contract Work Advice

[Apotheosis]

up until now, most of the contract work I have been doing, ie freelance design, has been paid under 1099 contractual/word of mouth agreements..

I'm trying to figure out what the best way for me to set up a small contracting (freelance multimedia design) business.

I have a new client, and don't have much history on how often or if they can/will pay their contractors.

Basically, before I get too involved with them I would like to do some basic things to cover my ass, IE put me in a position to legally pursue a judgement in the unlikely chance that I don't get paid per my agreement with them.

I am basically lost on this subject, but trust them enough on this first project to accept 1/2 down up front, and then the rest when the final product/proof is approved.

Thanks for any and all advice :D

[FinisWolf]

Get it all in writing. Thats the biggest thing.

Make sure you read and understand the agreement.

Keep very thorough records. (Be anal about it)

...

The real test is after you do all this BIG city hoopla (paperwork), keeping it friendly, with a "you are a part of our family" feeling.

As far as real deal paperwork, we researched online, and found some free ones that we altered to fit our business.

...

No idea if that helps, but..., I really hope it does.

Finiswolf