Every artist i've commissioned has taken payment up front...seems to be the way for the most part, JB notwithstanding.

JB, have you done a commission that someone has turned down, as it wasn't what they were wanting?

Sure. That's the chance / take. And in a transaction like the, the artist, not the customer, should be the one taking chances.

With all due respect, JB, I think you're in a different position than many other artists as far as being able to absorb a loss due to customer dissatisfaction. 

I just took a commission to do what amounts to a caricature of the client and his wife.  If I send him that piece after he approves it via emailed scan without receiving any payment, and he decides after taking delivery that for whatever reason he's not going to pay, what recourse do I have?  No one else is going to want a drawing of a guy interpreted as a monster; it would have no meaning for them.  I can go on message boards and complain all I want but I have no actual recourse other than small claims court...and for an out of state transaction for a relatively small amount, it wouldn't be worth it.  And that's not fair to the artist who is depending upon that money for income.

There has to be a middle ground that's beneficial to both sides.  Thus far I've been fortunate to not have any disputes with any transactions because I handle my business in a professional manner...but that goes both ways.  I've not screwed anyone but I've also not been screwed by anyone, either.  No one has expressed dissatisfaction with my business policies yet and if they did, I would be as flexible as possible to accommodate their concerns...installments...an escrow service, perhaps?  But to send someone merchandise without receiving payment for it is just not sound business practice, IMO.  Why should commissioning artwork be any different than purchasing any other merchandise?  Auction houses don't work in that manner either.

Glenn, I don't think anyone is saying that you should deliver the art before payment is made, but that the customer should be able to see the art before payment is made.  You raised an interesting point "Why should commissioning artwork be any different than purchasing any other merchandise?"  I agree entirely.  For any other purchase, you actually can see the item before laying out money for the goods.  Why should art be any different?

Your point about being able to absorb a loss finds no sympathy here.  if a store can't afford to keep well stocked, then the store should close.  If an artist cannot afford to take a loss from a rejected piece, then he is in the wrong business.

Having said all that, I have commissioned many artists(yourself included) and have paid upfront before, and I have never been burned yet.  The artists I've dealt with, with the exception of one have been a pleasure to deal with and I've been very pleased with the results.