You value the way your information is presented. You are open to designer feedback and understand that the site is about designing for your target audience rather than personal taste. It can be the difference between you and your competition.
Unless the the project is for personal use.
You are passionate about the project and communicate responsively. Sending feedback and changes in reasonable time will help your project progress smoothly and to complete a milestone.
Unless you have a commitee to convince.
Have all your requirements, content and images ready before the project begins. The design should revolve around the content, because the website is about your business. Knowing your style of body text and images, the design can complement those elements to effectively communicate your message.
Unless you want to give me complete freedom with the design.
Depending on the contract, you could agree to pay at key stages of the project.
For example, once the concept is complete, you would pay the fee. You may have a programmer to produce the site. Or your team may lack the time, so then I could produce the website.
Before a project commences, a contract is signed to protect both parties.