Vent: I used to think a handshake deal was enough for small jobs, but a $500 mistake changed my mind

For years, I did small design jobs, like a logo for a local cafe, with just a quick chat and a verbal okay. I figured a contract was overkill and might scare off nice clients. Last fall, a repeat client asked for a quick flyer update. We agreed on a flat $300 over email. I did the work, sent the files, and then got a request for three more versions 'since it was so easy.' When I sent a new bill, they refused to pay, saying the original email covered 'the project.' I was out $500 in time and had no clear scope to point to. That email chain wasn't a contract, it was just a messy record of a bad deal. Now, even for a two hour job, I send a simple one page agreement that says exactly what 'done' looks like. Has anyone else been burned by thinking a friendly chat was solid enough?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee825d ago

What finally pushed you to write it down?

joseph_lewis9225d ago

My cat walked across the keyboard and typed the first line. Figured I should finish it for her.