Taking deposit? Contract?

I have a decent sized job, for me, and want to know how you handle clients that won’t be home during the service.
Do you have them sign a contract? Take a 50% deposit?
Thanks.

I take a deposit upon scheduling with any new customer. Typically $100 if it’s under $750 or so, and 20% if it’s much more than that. And for a really high ticket job, I’ve taken 30% before.

I rarely ever make a contract. Only exception has been for large commercial jobs or prepaid snow removal customers.

Leave as invoice on the front door and have them mail a check. Good customer is one never meet.