A fool and his/her money are easily parted. The average 'life span' of a flying club is no more than a couple of years. The return on capital is barely measurable, one large bill and they are bust!
Never ever ever pay up front. It they are solvent they do not need the money before the costs are incurred. If they are discounting the price - which barely covers their costs anyhow - why? Because they are a charitable organisation?
So for those hard of comprehension - never ever pay up front!