I keep seeing freelancers skip the contract step and it's costing them big time

A friend of mine just lost $2,500 because he did some web design work on a handshake deal. The client ghosted him after delivery. I've been doing this for five years and the one rule I never break is the contract, even for small jobs. I use a simple template I got from a freelance group, and it has a payment schedule and kill fee. It takes ten minutes to set up. How do you guys handle contracts for projects under a grand?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_seth2mo ago

My buddy did a logo for a local cafe, just a few hundred bucks. They loved it, used it everywhere, then just never paid him. A contract would have saved him so much hassle.

grace_bailey341mo ago

Always get a contract, even for small jobs. A simple one page agreement sets clear rules and protects your work. It feels awkward but saves friendships and cash.

reese_chen2mo ago

Wait, they used it everywhere and still didn't pay? That's wild!