Overheard a client call that made me rethink my whole contract setup

I was at a coffee shop in Kansas City last Tuesday, and the guy at the next table was on a loud call with his lawyer. He was a freelance photographer, and he said, 'The client just won't pay the final $1,200 because they didn't like the last two shots.' The lawyer asked if his contract had a kill fee or defined 'satisfaction.' Mine doesn't. I've always just used a simple invoice. Now I'm scrambling to add clear terms before my next project starts. Has anyone found a good, basic contract template that covers this kind of scope dispute?

3 comments

3 Comments

rose_hart311mo ago

Why not just get half up front instead?

jennifer_west1mo ago

Half up front sounds smart... my brain just defaults to trusting people way too much.

david82118d ago

Remember that time I helped a friend with a website and waited for payment? It never came, and it really hurt the friendship. Now I use a simple contract, even with friends, that says half before I start and half when I'm done. It sets clear rules so no one feels bad later. That structure actually makes it easier to trust people because everyone knows what to expect.