What Happens When a Freelancer Does Work for a Client Without a Contract

I'm just going to echo what everyone else is saying: Contract. Contract. Contract.

A contract isn't some scary legal document full of cryptic legalese. It's a clear description of what services will be provided and what the compensation will be. And on what schedule everything will happen. With details about what happens if things go south.

Most client problems are not as cut-and-dry as "he took all of my work and is laughing at me and lighting cigars with $100 bills while he refuses to pay me for absolutely no reason." Most disputes are based on misunderstandings of some sort. They think feature X was in-scope. You disagree and want to bill them additionally for it. They are withholding pay because they don't consider the project completed. You do. And such. Having to threaten a client will waste a ton of your time and sour relationships -- clients you have disputes with can still be good clients. This is why you write down everyone's expectations at the start.

Most clients aren't evil. They want good relationships with the people who work for them. But disagreements arise. Contracts give everyone a neutral document to refer to and say "look, this is what we agreed upon when we started."

Use contracts.

In short you can, and will, get fucked by your client. Never do work without a contract. I would have thought it were common sense but I have seen far too many people owed thousands from clients they did work for who then gave them the finger. Most people/small companies don't have the money or don't want to spend the money on getting the money as it will end up costing them more so they just put it down to "that is the price you pay". Well that is a fucking stupid attitude and you are a fool for doing the work without a contract. Watch http://vimeo.com/22053820.

As enjoyable as freelancing can be, the headache of contracts on one end, and trying to get paid on the other, really put a damper on the "lifestyle." This looks like a great asset.

You mean aPple, right? :)

I can see a client canceling a deal without paying after you have done work due to not having a contract. To actually use the work you produced and weasel out of paying with a "ha ha I tricked you into working for free" is really malicious. I would say that client would probably never have paid anyway. However you may force them to reveal their hand by signing a contract. They will probably try to find some other loophole, but at least you have some documentation that helps you to take legal action.

I have had client drag their feet on the contract and the down payment, but rush me to start. My feeling is that if you can't get a check when they are desperate for you to start, then it certainly will be difficult getting one after the work is complete.

The more eager you are for the gig, you may be more willing to agree to things. But definitely it's a always a good idea to be patient and make sure both sides agree to the terms before you invest your labor.