This is an odd question, but... How do money transactions for small contract work (say, if a developer commissions a small job from a remote freelance artist) typically happen? Paypal, online credit card, cutting a check through snail-mail? I'm sure all are used sometimes, but I'm interested in what's common. Thanks.

I've always used snail-mail checks. Paypal has some sketchiness whereby, under certain circumstances, creditors can revoke payment a long time after the transaction has been finalized. Shouldn't matter if you have a signed contract (which you always should) but I don't like the limbo.

-me

Paper checks for North America - wire transfer for international.

Quote: Original post by tsloper
Paper checks for North America - wire transfer for international.

This has also been my experience.

Note that larger checks are often sent via courier (FedEx, etc.), but it really depends on the company. Contracts are usually handled via paper for the final, signed version and almost always sent via courier.