Ever order or produce a $$$ custom made item? Need advice

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So I'm thinking of buying a remarkably beautiful $350 custom-made quilt (for a combined Christmas/Valentine/birthday gift) from a dealer I met at a craft show. She is located about 1 1/2 hours away. She offered to sell me one on the spot, but didn't have the size (Queen) that I want.

- How do I arrange things so that neither of us get ripped off - that I don't send her the money and not get a quilt, and she doesn't make the quilt and not get my money?

- do I send it all up front? Do I send some portion up front, and the rest on completion of the quilt?

- I assume because of the number and quality of the shows she's in, that she's reputable. Plus I have a good feeling about her. Is that a good way to tell?

- If I do send any money up front, how do I document things so that if I end up in small claims court, Judge Judy or whoever will have something other than my word against hers?

- how insane am I to have a undeclawed-will-never-be-declawed cat in the house with an expansive quilt?

[AllegroRondo]

1. I've done custom work before

in a jewelry business.

She will probably require some kind of down payment, 50% of the final price is typical. If she takes credit cards, I would pay with that, as you get good buyers protection. If she doesnt deliver you can always file a dispute with your card company. You should get some kind of receipt for this payment, detailing what you are buying, and how much you have paid and still owe, and what the estimated completion date is.

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2. Thanks - this is what I was looking for

I've made jewelry for friends, but they generally pay me on delivery (and I've known them for years)

I'm going to see if she takes credit cards.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Your best, and only, first step is to ask her.

She will already have a system in place, probably asking for a downpayment to cover at least the cost of materials, or a downpayment of possibly as much as 50% of the total price, and then after it's done and you like it, you pay her for the rest.

Most artists I know go on this kind of system - that way, if they get screwed over by some fuckwit, they at least have the materials paid for and can sell the item to someone else.

Make sure and be clear from her if you have the option of not buying if you don't what like she's done - some people are paying for an artist's vision; some people consider the artist to be a machine-for-hire that should do precisely and exactly what the buyer wants.