From the article: Can I Skip Using a Freelance Design Contract With Friends or Family?
Just because using a contract is a good idea doesn't mean we always do so, especially with friends and family. They wouldn't try to take advantage of our relationship or cheat us out of money, would they? Well...
Tell us about what went wrong when you did design work for a friend or family member. Did they balk at signing a contract or did you get into a dispute and not have a contract to back you up? What tips can you share with others facing the same or similar situations?
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Share Your Horror StoryMy neighbor stole from me
- I agreed to work on my neighbors fence. We signed an agreement. There was an add on, he verbally agreed to the addon and additional costs. When I was finished he refused to pay, saying he did not agree to the addon. He said "I didn't sign so I don't have to pay!" What a liar and a stealer. He has to live with this. I know now what he is, and so does he.
- —Guest neighborthieft
Not Again
- I recently agreed to do a 3 store photo-shoot for a business owner. he was flakey to begin with and after I shot the 3 locations and sent him samples, he balked at them and proceeded to blow me off. It's been over a month and I still have not gotten paid. I may, I may not get paid from this slime-ball. I got the job through a friend and therefore felt safe. HUGE MISTAKE! I will never again be so trusting. ALWAYS use a contract! ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!
- —Guest John Kirk
burned by a customer
- At the beginning of my freelancing career, i was commissioned to do a few flyers and shirt designs for a talent agent that worked with comedians (goes by Dat Philly Chick from Philadelphia). I sent her final drafts with no watermark before receiving payment and she fell off the face of the earth. All communication was strictly through e-mail and phone and have no way of contacting or finding her, with the added headache of her being almost 11 hours away. But that taught me never to go into an agreement without a contract.
- —Guest deZZFx Cusstum Grafficks
Friends Family: Be Up Front
- Best thing is to be up front. Business is Business. Most times your prices are already low to compete with other business. You have to replace the things you used. So, business is business.
- —Guest Grace Design & Resources
