If they ask for cash up front be afraid in fact be very very afraid. No reputable outfit will need lump sums of cash off you. If they do then it could well be that they are technically trading whilst being insolvent. Don't be lured into paying over tens of thousands of quid just to get a 5% discount. Once they have your money you have little recourse except to the courts in case of dispute which will in itself cost you an arm and a leg. Use your credit card if possible so that you can cancel any payments if the FTO goes out of business whilst you are there or you are dissatisfied with their service. Remember you are the customer at the end of the day.