50% deposit for countertop

[N/A N/A]

I just read another topic about finding good contractors and being wary of people asking for money up front.

I'm about to order around 30-40 ft of granite countertop with install and the guy says he will need a 50% deposit with a quoted price of around 2k.

I just wanted to know if it's normal for them to ask for such a large deposit before they begin work (e.g. getting the slab for fabrication etc..)