Craig,

>You have that info. Run a credit check on them. Talk to the Better Business Bureau. Also, structure the payment section of the contract in such a way that if they don't pay, you aren't out much. In my case, I bill every two weeks, due on receipt. They then have 10 days to pay. If I don't get payment, I stop work.

I do the same, but without the 10 days. I do allow a couple of days for things to be processed through AP if necessary with a big company, but usually I insist on a check in hand with small companies. By working this way, I've never been stung by a non-paying client.