That pony had a better poker face than you and you’re wearing a paper bag. Congratulations, you played yourself.

I kind of wondered what the best choice would be as the requester could just take the art and run, or the artist just takes the cash and runs instead.
 
Maybe don’t pay anything but the artist leaves like a really obtrusive watermark that says NOT PAID FOR, and only removes it once paid? would that be best?

You should not charge up front for commissions unless you will do it immediately. Too many people seem to take the money and run.
 
My experience has been positive, but I’ve only ever commissioned Horsecat, who only charges once the sketch is done. A fair trade, imo. But I’ve heard a lot of horror stories like this where the artist charges up front and never delivers. Shameful.

I actually experienced that with a rather serious work (Cover for a novel) caught the artist “socializing” behind the back of their partner. Had to nearly beat them to get the damn job done, but now I am the “bad guy” for getting the damned job done.

Happened to me a few times now. I’m considering only going to people I’ve gotten several commissions from already specifically to prevent this from happening to me again.

Aww :( Then don´t go to others, you make some very nice stuff to^^

when artists open up commissions, i excpect them to finish them in a reasonable time. 4 weeks max. otherwise take your money back. when artists cant work on commissions, then they really shoulndt open them up.

And that is reason I only charge people when I have the commission done.

Well… at least i’m not alone.  
I payed 40 dollars for a commission, it’s been a year… no messages.

Going to be honest, those people are dicks.

Poor thing… =(
 
It’s somewhat weird, how expressive the bag can be with the expressions on it. This is easily one of my favorite concepts, and heck, favorite OCs ever XD

I’ve had that happen too. I think they actually died.

take over the stand, gain its power and its mones  
you will be a commission god