>>>I have been doing contract work for over 10 years on an hourly basis. The client's generally pay quickly and it's worked out well for all.
>>>
>>>Now I have a new client who wanted a fixed price bid. This is the first of at least 2 projects I'll be doing for them, probably more in the future. This first contract is rather small, and the next one is bigger.
>>>
>>>The question is; should I ask for a retainer? If so, how much? If not, how do I ensure that the client won't renege and leave me with nothing to show for it?
>>
>>If you don't feel comfortable with their ability or willingness to pay in a TIMELY manner, or if you can't function w/o the expected revenue, I'd ask for a fair percentage up front and/or make and agree upon a deliverables schedule where they pay based on milestones.
>>
>>Never get stuck in a contract you think might not pay what and when you expect (unless you are absolutely desperate and you have NO alternative).
>
>I don't have any reason to mistrust the client. I just figure it's a good thing to get sorted out up front. I don't mind asking for a retainer, but I also don't want them to think I do mistrust them. And it's sometimes hard to explain why you want the retainer.

Larger businesses will understand w/o explanation.

Smaller clients will understand with just a quick explanation that you are a small business and you need to protect yourself, it they need any explanation at all.