I hope this doesn't offend any of my builder friends...........but.
It's just not good business to use "client f's" deposit to fund "client c's" guitar. If that's the way a builder is doing business then sooner or later someone isn't going to get their guitar, or deposit back.
The best protection for consumers is to pick their builder carefully. Ask them questions about what happens with deposits, and what would happen with their deposit if something happens to the builder. If the builder is offended by these questions find another builder. My policy regarding required deposits is covered on the
Terms, Warranty, and Payment page on my website. My policy regarding what would happen to deposits if something would happen to me is covered on the
Links and FAQ page on my website.