We do consulting work. My first clients didn't want to 'write a contract' — when they paid the fee finished the job and said 'go back to the old state', I don't know what to do. Is a contract mandatory?
So far I've done free pilot projects, when I asked for payment I requested a contract — the client refused, put the work on hold... tbh what are the consequences if I work without a contract?
Short answer: Working without a contract = risky. Risk types: 1) Payment risk (client hasn't paid you). 2) Scope risk (client might say 'do something else'). 3) Legal risk (what was agreed as a 'word' initially can be interpreted differently later).
A contract is ABSOLUTE for consulting. Scope, price, time, termination conditions must be in writing. Clients who sign a contract are more serious, payment risk decreases.
If the client refused the contract: 1) If it's important, don't start work without a contract. 2) If it's a test project, get written approval (email). 3) Take upfront payment (deposit).
If the client says 'I don't want a contract', you can give this answer: 'The contract protects you and us. Both of us. So that neither of us starts differently, there is a contract.' Real clients understand this, picky ones might say 'no need'.
we also had clients without initial contracts who said 'add a bit more work', they asked for a fee increase (we thought payment was done). btw after implementing contracts these kinds of scope creep stopped. when the client is serious, we stay serious too.
a client paid and then wanted to 'take back' the work — thanks to the contract I could refuse then the contract gained more than it lost.
Doki · Brand identity · 2024
clients without contracts create problems. if one stays contract-free all clients start demanding contract-free. be strong at the start sign a contract.
Work without contract: 'Pay in 30 days.' Client: waited 60 days. With contract: 'Terms: 30 days,' unsigned. Difference: thanks to the contract we know who we can sue.
You're right. People defend habits, not processes. Resistance comes from there.
When you try to change everything at once, nothing settles. Just leaving this note, it might be useful.
Doki · Phishing awareness training · 2024
Let's separate the concepts, they're getting mixed up. Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.
If you have questions, write them; I'll answer as best I can.
Doki · Corporate website · 2023
The opposite happened to me, that's why I'm writing. The real issue isn't the number but what it's based on.
This is my opinion I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.
Doki · Phishing awareness training · 2026
Let me clarify the technical side. Start with a small trial; don't commit to everything at once.
If it's your first time, start small; scaling comes later.
I'd say don't rush. Taking notes for two weeks yields better results than a six-month estimate.
Start with a small trial; don't commit to everything at once. If you post the result here, it will help others too.
The opposite happened to me, that's why I'm writing. Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.
Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.
Let me speak from the other side; I'm on the supplier side. When making a decision, also write down the cost of reversal.
The harder it is to reverse a decision, the slower you should make it.
Do you think this works at any scale? People defend habits, not processes. Resistance comes from there.
Same here. A small market isn't bad; working cheaply in a small market is.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
noted thanks. trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.
calculate how many months you can survive without revenue then halve that number. of course it varies if your situation is different.