Painter demanding 50% upfront for a simple interior job, red flag?

Hey guys, thanks for any advice you can give. I'm getting some walls and ceilings painted in two bedrooms and a hallway in my house, got a quote from a local painter who's legit based on his portfolio. But he wants 50% upfront right now to hold a spot on his schedule, even though the job isn't til a couple months from now. Never heard of that much deposit before, I figured 25-30% max for materials like Benjamin Moore paint and drop cloths. Talked to him and he won't budge on it. Been in the Chicago area my whole career and this feels off, especially for a small residential gig. Red flag or just how it is these days? Edit: Saw a similar rant in the Painting Contractors Facebook group last week.

Get everything in a simple written contract using something like a Jobber template, spell out the 50% covers materials and labor milestones to protect both sides.

Yeah, include a clause for what happens if they bail, like refund minus any no-show fee. Seen too many painters get stiffed on big jobs.

50% is pushing it for interior walls, but if he's using quality stuff like Sherwin-Williams Emerald, maybe he's covering his ass on supply chain crap.

Customer called me last week wanting free color samples, I said sure after the deposit.

Always vet with references, ask for proof of insurance too before handing over that deposit.

In my experience, 30% is standard for paint jobs under 5k, anything more screams cash flow issues.

Man, this deposit drama is killing small painters like us, especially with material costs up 20% this year.

Same here, just dealt with a client who paid 50% then changed the color scheme mid-job, what a nightmare.

Yeah, it's exhausting, been painting 15 years and these upfront fights never get easier.

Watched that Idaho Painter video on client contracts, he swears by detailed scopes to avoid this mess.

SharkBite for plumbing sure, but for painting contracts? Nah, stick to ironclad paper trails, fight me if you disagree.

These big box stores undercutting us on paint prices is forcing everyone into desperate deposit grabs.

Frustrated as hell, quoted a full house exterior last month and the client nitpicked every line item on the agreement.

Proud to say I finally got a standard contract template from the House Painting Professionals group that covers deposits without scaring folks off.

How do you guys word the cancellation policy in yours? Mine's vague and it's bitten me twice.

I'm in the same boat, just signed a deal with 40% up and now regretting not pushing back harder.

Ever had to file a mechanics lien over a deposit dispute? Worth it or just lawyer fees?

Insurance companies jacking rates on us painters too, makes upfront cash even more crucial.

Hah, told a guy his 'budget' deposit wouldn't cover the primer alone, he laughed then paid up.

Homeowners thinking they're contractors now with their ChatGPT quotes, demanding custom terms on every agreement.

Try adding a line for progress payments, like 50% up, 25% at drywall patch, balance at walkthrough.

Buddy of mine in r/paintingbusiness shared a template last month that worked wonders for deposits.

Sorry man, that sucks, but yeah, get it in writing or walk away.

For small interiors like that, push for material costs only upfront, around 20-25%, saves headaches.