I don't know the sums of money involved in your case, but if they are significant then you need a solicitor to check the escrow account, or to act as stakeholder. Be aware that if you are not financially experienced it is possible for accounts to be set up that look like they will protect the customer, but where the customer will not have first claim on the money if the company goes into liquidation.
Credit cards are a simpler safeguard (in the UK at least).