Have you looked into another company’s policy, as a comparison.

Thanks Maureen! i just put in a call to one, they will call back.

I called this particular shop and they said you pay for all fabric and hardware up front, plus half the labor. i just want to know if that’s typical.

I'm only one example, but I had to put down 80%.

I was curious and googled. Typically 50% - 75%.

they are custom, if you bail, they don't want to be stuck. would you?

I never pay more than 50% down payment for anything. That covers the cost of materials .

I would have never asked for more than 50% on a project. I needed to cover the cost of the fabric and the hardware, but not my mark up / profit on these items.

In the past I paid 50%. Recently had some drapes re-worked (4 panels into 2 longer panels) and I also gave 50% deposit, but that one was mostly labor.

If the shop has excellent reviews and you like the examples of their work, then I would go ahead and proceed with them. I wouldn't pick a lesser workroom that wants 50% deposit versus a better workroom that wants 75% deposit, all prices being equal. For a better workroom I will gladly meet their terms.