Pay in advance for the job

In would say yes if he seems a professional trades person

Pay it, but get a receipt clearly stating on it what the deposit is for, and if they want cash I would probably not pay them. Do it by bank transfer or not at all.

We as a company would never ask for a payment upfront and only when job is finished and customer is 100per cent happy with the work,

I'm a bricklayer and I always ask client if they would rather pay materials over the phone with the builders merchant after I give them the order or if they would rather pay cash. At least that way they have the option. Hope this helps

We always ask for a third of the initial tender quotation upfront to cover the cost of the first phase of materials and wages etc. this secures your spot within the diary and ensures you are serious about the work to be undertaken but obviously this is dependant on the client and the agreed contract. Your contractor would generally outline this is in your pre-contract quotation (tender) and have terms set that you have both agreed to in writing, ensuring that both parties are in agreement. If it is a small job then this may just be a formal conversation and a hand shake. Either way make sure there is a paper trail to ensure your's and their transactions are recorded.

I personally wouldn't ask for any payment until the work is completely finished and customer is satisfied. However on larger project such as new driveways, I have taken half of the total payment midway through the job, but never before the job starts

Asking for £150 up front sounds a bit weird to me a decent tradesperson should be able to cover that what would alarm me is how much the job was quoted at for piece of mind you should obtain a receipt for this money and any decent tradesman should be able to produce on a headed receipt book

I've never asked for money up front.if I can't cover the job.i won't take it on.unless it's over 5000 then I might ask for 20%up front on written contract.