Nothing against the companies that have this pay first policy. It seems to be a good deal if you can get it.
It just doesn't work for me as a customer.
I guess just a little surprised about the split in people that are willing to turn over parts and money before they get anything in return. Most strong reputable companies will do service work like brake jobs and machine work without any deposits. Longer jobs of course should have progress payments as work is completed like paint and body as an example. IMO
If you have local companies that can do this work maybe you can PM a couple to me.