said by Jason Levine 
:Well, those checks aren't payment for services rendered. In that case, the check is a waiver of some entry fee. E.g. It costs $20 to sign up so here's a check for $20 and we'll sign you up when you cash it.
In the article's case, this is payment for services rendered. He's used their service for the last month and is being billed for it. He owes them a debt and must pay it up. He can't stipulate terms at this point. Would you eat a meal in a restaurant and try to haggle over the price when the bill comes?
#1. He is paying in advance, not after. Everyone bills in advance now. It would be very unusual to do anything else.
