I found this interesting "Top Ten" list by Markus Merz. Worth a quick read for future thought when you are acting as a freelancer and your potential customer mentions one of these:
1. "Do this one cheap (or free) and we'll make it up on the next one."
2. "We never pay a cent until we see the final product."
3. "Do this for us and you'll get great exposure! The jobs will just pour in!"
4. On looking at sketches or concepts: "Well, we aren't sure if we want to use you yet, but leave your material here so I can talk to my partner/investor/wife/clergy."
5. "Well, the job isn't CANCELLED, just delayed. Keep the account open and we'll continue in a month or two."
6. "Contract? We don't need no stinking contact! Aren't we friends?"
7. "Send me a bill after the work goes to press."
8. "The last guy did it for XXX dollars."
9. "Our budget is XXX dollars, firm."
10. "We are having financial problems. Give us the work, we'll make some money and we'll pay you. Simple."
Original Article:
http://performancing.com/revenue/top-ten-lies-every-freelance-writer-or-artist-must-know
http://www.paintercreativity.com/articles/top-10-lies.html