Ask What is the right way to ask for a deposit before you start working on a project?

[Edward22]

Asking for a deposit can feel uncomfortable at first, but it is often part of professional work. A deposit is an upfront payment that shows the client is serious and helps protect your time. Without it, there is a risk of doing work without payment. I am curious about how freelancers bring this up without sounding demanding. Do you explain it as a normal process from the start, or wait until the client agrees before mentioning payment terms?