Lol ...... looks like same experience here, well not only them Ma*** and a few other big brand also.

As for TS question, payment wise it should be 50% during process and 25% before handing the finished work over. The remaining 25% you want to collect later is your choice.

Just look at any business, online selling and service don't have such thing as product first payment later. Its always up front full.

I've put enough time in freelance to tell you if you aren't collecting them before and during the service process your end payment is as good as praying that the guy you service is a good guy or you like donating to client. And not only big company would bully you, even job for a friend is also the same thing.