Decorator coming to price up, what do I need to know/ask?

[fleshmarketclose]

Have a bloke coming to give me a price for some decorating. I've never used a decorator before so am pretty clueless. What do I need to know or ask? Have another one coming next week so as to hopefully avoid being ripped off.
Do I buy the materials? When and how do I pay?Was thinking half in advance and rest on completion by bank transfer but is it done differently? Will be emptying the room pretty much beforehand but will need my table and tv covering is that ok or will they want it completely empty?
Anything you think I should know or ask please post.

Maybe but the materials yourself or ask for receipts. I didn't pay half in advance. I would make itclear what you want e.g woof work, undercoat, how many layers, making good of any walls, when are they going to be free to do the work

No need to pay in advance. I recommend asking for references. Be clear on number of coats (or how much will they charge if you subsequently feel that an area hasn't been covered enough and needs more. Ask if there's a financial advantage for you if they get the paint but if they want to colour match your chosen colour to a range of paint they prefer, ask for tester pots before agreeing- ours were terrible matches, so I wanted to stick with the paint I chose.

Ask them.
My decorators are happy to do either.
If you are having something standard - maybe white ceiling or white woodwork or magnolia walls or something, they'll probably be able to get a better trade deal, but do ask what they will charge.
If you want something really specific then you get them.

Ask them how many coats they will do
Ask them about preparation work
Most people will have some stuff in middle of room - check about dust sheets - I would expect them to provide them but....
Thing is, everyone is different.
If you ask, then it will be clear.

I've got decorators nearly done, he's coming back tomorrow morning to finish off as he's on a new job on Monday. He quoted £850, I paid £200 upfront deposit /save the date, he supplied the polyfiller, dust sheets, white Matt & white satin for wood work & I bought slate grey for feature walls. I'd say be cautious of how many coats they quote for & ask specifically if they sand woodwork/ sugar soap anything. I'm quite happy with the job, but i've had better! My last decorator retired & he was a brilliant perfectionist

Thank you they are all really helpful.