If you don't want to start collecting money upfront b/c you're afraid it will alienate customers (which it usually does), here are some precautions that will help minimize your risk of getting ripped off.
First, try to make sure that the customer has cash on him b/4 you start dancing for him. This is especially true if you know that you will be doing more than 1 dance. Just ask casually b/4 you start dancing, "Do you need to go to the ATM b/4 we start or do you have the cash on you?". Usually he'll either say "I've got it covered" or if not, will have no problem going to the ATM beforehand. If he balks at this request, just explain that you've had problems in the past with the ATM being down, or with people not being able to withdraw cash b/c they've exceeded their daily transaction limits. When you phrase it like that, it let's the customer think that it's the ATM/ bank that you distrust, not him. Plus, if he does go the the ATM beforehand, you can see exactly how much he withdraws so you can be sure not to exceed that amount.
Second, if you're in a situation where a guy tells you to dance for one of his friends, be sure to get the money from him b/4 you dance for his buddy. This helps eliminate the possibility that you won't be able to find the paying customer after you finish dancing for his friend. If the friend wants dances past the amount that you have been paid for, explain that it will have to be on his own dime, or give him to opportunity to get more money from his friend b/4 you resume dancing. This will help avoid a situation where the customer with money will not pay you b/c he doesn't feel obligated to pay for the 22 dances his friend received.
Third, always collect your money upfront if you're dancing for an obviously inebriated customer, or anyone who strikes you as shady. These aren't the types of customers that you should be concerned about alienating.
Finally, if you do end up in a dispute with a non-paying customer, and are so unfortunate as to be in a club where the staff will do nothing to help you, try to collect something as collateral from the customer. This could be a cell phone, driver's license, or anything that you perceive to be valuable to the customer. Since we dancers really don't have many recourses when someone rips us off, sometimes all you can do is try to bluff your way into them paying you. If you do get into an altercation with a customer though, try to do it out of earshot and eyeshot of the other customers.
Also, I know this is kinda obvious, but your reaction to the situation should depend on the amount of money at stake. If he only owes you $20 or $40, and it doesn't look like you will get anywhere with him, I would say just charge it to the game and use your time more efficiently by trying to get dances with other customers. If the sum of money is more sizeable, then of course it might be more worthwhile to stand your ground.
Hope this helps.
