Heard a client say they'd never hire someone without a contract again

I was at a coffee shop in Austin and the person next to me was telling their friend about a freelancer who ghosted them after getting half the money up front. They said, 'I learned the hard way, no contract means no real job.' It made me realize I've been too trusting with new clients. Do you all have a simple contract template you like to use?

3 comments

3 Comments

sandra_black9d ago

Weeks of stressful back and forth" is the absolute worst.

sandra_black24d ago

My first year freelancing I lost almost two grand on a handshake deal. Now I use a free template from the Freelancers Union website, it saved me. I just fill in the blanks for each client with the project scope, payment terms, and kill fee. It takes five minutes and makes everything REAL clear for both sides. I would not start a single job without one now, it is just basic protection. That client in the coffee shop is totally right, a contract turns a promise into a real job.

the_olivia24d ago

My friend did a whole website redesign based on a few emails. The client loved it, then ghosted when the invoice hit their inbox. Took her weeks of stressful back and forth just to get half of what she was owed. She uses a simple contract for everything now, even with people she's known for years. It just stops those awkward conversations before they can even start.