Interesting issue

[Tech Account]

I have an interesting situation which I'm unsure how best to deal with:
Our business is requiring customers to send in setup fees and the first
month of payment before having the account setup.
Is the best way to handle this by issuing a credit before the first
billing? Or by forcing a billing then saying that it's paid??
Is there a better way?  Could Freeside handle this better somehow?

-Techy