Pay for parts up front?

Prowler Doug wrote:
I lost an awning this summer in a bad storm. My insurance is paying for it less my deductible. The repair shop wants me to pay for the awning up front before they'll order it. Is this a common practice? I manage a auto body shop and we always pay for parts and collect when the job is complete. just seems strange.

I have heard of shops to want special order parts that they cannot return to be paid for up front but given that this is an insurance job, I'd just contact my insurance company and let it be handled from there. They may be able to convince the shop or provide one to work with.