If you pay anything upfront, use a US Credit Card (NOT a Debit Card, Cash, or Check). That way you will be protected by your credit card issuer if there is a hiccup and they go bankrupt. It's good to be concerned, as even if the business continues to operate, creditors, including gift certificate owners and people with outstanding deposits aren't necessarily protected.

I've never seen anyone pay upfront. Payment is due after lessons or tows. My payment and others I saw anyway were after services rendered.