For presenting ideas to "set the hook"
I create a giant gif (600 px by 400 px) of my ideas.
Then I post it on my server - or load it on
my lap top for personal presentation.
Not only is this easier - but aside from the idea -
the code is non-existent and therefore cannot be stolen.

Now - I never do any coding before I get money.
Did that once - and learned my lesson.

If they decide to go with me - I have contract, time-lines and
generic "terms and conditions" signed AND a 1/3rd deposit, $$ for domain
name and 1time set-up costs.

Then I collect content from them and begin to create an alpha site.
Again - mainly gifs and little code. Once they are happy with
the alpha I collect another 1/3 and begin the serious coding.
At this time the main layout of the site doesn't change -
major decisions have already been made and are documented.

The balance is due before final posting to their URL.
If I think they aren't going to pay - I remove the site.

Your time is worth your pay and don't give anything away.

HTH
 - Lisa


----- Original Message -----
: Forgive my rather elementary question but if I wanted to get in the
: web-building business, how exactly do you present your product to a
client?
: Since any view of the source code has the potential for "giving away" the
: store, I'm wondering how you manage this part of the transaction.  After a
: customer describes what they want and you prepare a rough draft site, I
: assume you display it on a server under your control for their approval,
: changes, etc.  Do they pay you at this point?  If they don't like your
work
: and want to back out of the deal, then what?  Should you require a
: non-refundable deposit before you do anything?

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