Lost a client because I didn't have a proper contract in place

Had a freelance web design project go south last summer with a client in Austin. I did the work, sent the invoice, and they just ghosted me. $1,200 gone because I was too lazy to write up a real contract before starting. Now I use a basic template from LegalZoom for every single project, no exceptions. Has anyone else had to learn this lesson the hard way?

3 comments

3 Comments

patricia_hill602d ago

Read a story about a freelancer who lost $5k the same way.

hannahj492d ago

I used to be one of those people who thought contracts were just for big companies and legal stuff. Thought a handshake and a quick email would be enough, especially with local clients. Boy was I wrong. That $1,200 loss was a hard reality check that taught me trust isn't enough when money is on the line. Now I won't touch a project without a signed contract, no matter how small it is or how nice the client seems. It's a painful lesson but honestly I'm glad I learned it early before a bigger loss happened.

scott.alex2d ago

Oh man, that is brutal! I cannot believe they just ghosted you like that after you did all the work. That $1,200 story makes me cringe because I know how much that hurts when you're starting out. I had a similar thing happen with a small logo project for $300 and I was so mad at myself for being too trusting. Using a template from LegalZoom is smart though, I just use a simple one from a free site and it covers the basics. It's wild how some people just don't feel bad about not paying for work they asked for.