My big freelance project crashed when I took a shortcut on the contract

I was sitting in a coffee shop downtown last June, finishing up a logo package for a local brewery. I sent over the files after just a quick email exchange, no formal agreement or payment terms. They loved the work but then ghosted me for 3 months, and I never saw a dime of the $1,200 we agreed on. Now I always make sure to get a signed contract and at least half up front before I hand over any files. Has anyone else learned this the hard way too?

3 comments

3 Comments

danielnelson28d ago

My buddy Drew learned that one with a $3,000 web design gig.

the_lisa28d ago

Did Drew end up having to redo most of the work himself?

wren63828d ago

and thats the thing with stuff like that, @danielnelson is right on the money because people dont realize how much work actually goes into these projects until they get burned. its like buying a car for a dollar and expecting it to run perfect, you get what you pay for and the "deal" usually comes back to bite you. ive seen this pattern play out in so many areas of life, not just web design or contracting, people want the cheapest option and then act surprised when it fails. the real cost is usually hidden in the time you waste fixing someone elses shortcut or the reputation damage if its for a client. its honestly better to just pay a fair price upfront or do it yourself.