Hello! I'm new to the community!

[crazdude-k4me.livejournal.com]

I just started my first commissions and trades about a month after creating a gallery at Deviant Art. I've read a few of the mishaps that commission artists come across, and I was wondering if I'm going about this the right way. I finish a commission and post a small portion of the completed piece before I receive payment. A sample like this.

Is that a good thing to do? :-/ Is there a better way so both the customer and myself are comfy with the transaction and no one gets taken advantage of?

Thanx in advance, all! :)