there are too many that demand 50% up front before they even begin work still.
there are quite a few that will blow scheduled deadlines, will reluctantly provide you a new date, and even get uppity when suggesting they should START finally...
and more than a handful, that will simply blow the deal, and even demand final payment.  even then, you might be 1-2 years out from getting your knife.  nice!
the reason?  many of us are far too *nice* and patient.  don't be.  before you give anyone a penny, insist on a deadline, notices.  make sure they have your email addresses and phone numbers.  and for Groo's sake, the moment they blow a deadline, tell US.  every excuse (my dog ate it), should be known.  a few or two delay, sure, fine...  but a month?  uhm, no.  a season?  no way.  a year?  eff that.
fight!  be uppity back.  take your business elsewhere.  spill the names so more people don't get burned.
and!!! demand shipping verification/insurance too.  several instances of "well, i sent it, you shoulda got it, what's your problem"...
Bladite