I do that quite often actually. If the clients want the work completed, they send me a check. Usually they need their search(es) in a rush, so they overnight it. As soon as I get the check, I call and verify funds, and deposit it into my bank. My bank clears within 2 days...I ask them to make sure it clears before they make funds available--and then I just keep checking my account, with the completed search in hand, ready to go back to the client as soon as I see the check has cleared.

I am on first name-terms with my bankers, which is maybe why this works so seamlessly for me, but I have had many clients do this for me. I explain I am a smaller abstractor, who cannot afford to carry a balance, much less a few hundred dollars in copy costs; and due to all of the fly-by-night companies, I need a "retainer" of $200, $500--it all depends on the search(es), types, number of, etc. I need to make sure I don't get burned for even a few hundred dollars. That few hundred dollars is my electric bill and my internet bill--or whichever you choose.  

Most companies have been understanding; they all have gotten burned by clients, and if the smaller abstractors go out of business because they keep getting left holding the bag, the bigger clients won't have anyone left to go to who will be able to complete their work.

 It is, at least, worth a try--I find that the explanation of me being such a small abstractor, with just me, and being unable to carry balances for long--I can normally get the money up front for the first ten orders or so, then I can also request Net 14. I have only had 1 client who could not do the Net 14, and is at Net 30. And I am working with them so their balance never gets too high.

This is a difficult area to really speak to clients about, but I know I cannot carry a large balance for Net 30--which ends up at 60 days before you get your first check, normally. I can't go 2 months without pay, while putting out hundreds of dollars in copy costs. If you can, then you are doing much better than I am! :o)

 Good luck everyone, it's difficult to find new clients willing to compromise on payment terms--but if you can, keep them forever! :o)