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c/contractor-chat•bettykimbettykim•2mo ago

The difference between a handshake deal and a signed contract cost me $2,500

Did a kitchen demo on a verbal agreement, client changed their mind halfway through and refused to pay for the labor. Next job, same scope, I used a simple contract from a site like LawDepot and got paid in full. Has anyone else learned this the hard way?
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2 Comments
wren806
wren8062mo ago
That LawDepot template saved my business last year. I started adding a clear payment schedule right into the contract, breaking the total into deposits tied to project milestones. It means I'm never financing someone's whole remodel out of my own pocket again. Clients seem to like it too because they know exactly what's due and when. It turns a vague agreement into a shared plan that keeps everyone honest. I won't even pick up a hammer without that signed paper now.
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maxb46
maxb462mo ago
My $3,000 lesson was finally getting a basic contract template online.
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