50% down.
50% on completion.
Enforced automatically.
Small businesses pay. Corporate clients delay — net-30, net-60, net-90 terms that drain your cash flow while they float their own. Folio Pay locks the industry-standard 50/50 deposit structure into every project so no client, corporate or otherwise, can change the terms after work begins.
The Problem
The problem isn't your clients. It's corporate payment terms.
Net-90
Some corporate clients push terms to 90 days after invoice — three months after your work is on their wall
50/50
The industry-standard deposit structure that protects artists and keeps clients committed — it works when it's enforced
72 hrs
Folio Pay auto-releases the final payment if a corporate client is unresponsive after documented completion
“Over a 38-year career holding a California specialty sign contractor license, we ran into the collection problem the same way everyone does — not with small businesses, who were almost always happy to pay, but with corporate clients who treated net-30 and net-60 as a starting point for negotiation rather than a deadline. The 50% deposit model solved it every time we stuck to it. Folio Pay exists to make that structure the default, not a conversation.”
Built for
Non-permit creative trades
Permit-based contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) use folio-pin's permit verification tools. See contractor plans.
How It Works
The 50/50 model — enforced, not just suggested.
Set the 50/50 terms upfront
Both parties agree to the scope, deliverables, and the standard folio-pin payment structure: 50% deposit before work begins, 50% due upon completion. The agreement is timestamped and locked — no net-30 terms, no invoices, no ambiguity.
Client deposits the 50% retainer into escrow
The deposit is held securely by Folio Pay — not yet accessible to the artist. The client is committed. The artist can start with confidence.
Artist completes the work
Work milestones are logged on the artist's folio-pin portfolio record. Each update is timestamped and visible to both parties — no disputes about what was agreed.
Completion confirmed — final 50% triggered
On documented completion, the client is notified and the final payment is due. The client approves and the full balance releases. If no response within 72 hours of documented completion, the final 50% releases automatically.
Dispute resolution if needed
If a genuine dispute arises, folio-pin's resolution team reviews the documented evidence. Funds stay locked until resolved. In practice, the structured 50/50 model prevents most disputes before they start.
Protection
Built to protect both sides
No more net-30/60/90 terms
artistCorporate clients use delayed payment terms to manage their cash flow at your expense. Folio Pay enforces 50% upfront — the proven industry standard — so no one can push you onto their payment schedule.
Scope creep protection
artistThe agreed scope is locked at the start. Any additions require a new signed milestone — both parties approve before work or payment changes. Verbal add-ons become unenforceable.
Small business clients benefit too
clientMost small-business clients are happy to pay — the 50/50 structure gives them confidence that milestones are documented and work is verified before the final payment releases.
Verified work record
artist + clientEvery Folio Pay project is added to the artist's portfolio on folio-pin — a permanent, verified record of completed work clients can check before hiring.
Auto-release on corporate inactivity
artistThe most common delay tactic: the corporate client finishes the project, never disputes it, and just... doesn't respond. Folio Pay releases funds automatically 72 hours after documented completion.
Works across borders
artist + clientA California sign painter working with an Australian corporate client operates under the same escrow rules. No currency risk, no chasing international invoices through foreign AP departments.
Escrow Flow
Money moves only when work is done
Client
Pays upfront
Folio Pay
Holds in escrow
Milestone
Approved by client
Artist
Receives payment
Corporate delay protection: The most common tactic — a corporate client finishes the project, has no dispute, and simply doesn't process the invoice. Folio Pay releases the final 50% automatically 72 hours after documented completion. You never need to follow up with an accounts payable department again.
Pricing
Simple per-milestone fees
No monthly fee. You only pay when you get paid.
Folio Pay Basic
Per completed milestone
- Up to 3 milestones per project
- 72-hour auto-release
- Dispute resolution access
- Portfolio record on folio-pin
Folio Pay Pro
Per completed milestone
- Unlimited milestones
- Priority dispute resolution
- Client identity verification
- Verified badge on profile
- International payments
Folio Pay Studio
Per completed milestone
- Everything in Pro
- Multi-project dashboard
- Team / collective accounts
- Custom contract templates
- Dedicated account manager
FAQ