Noticed a big shift after switching to written retainer agreements only

I used to do handshake deals with small business clients and it bit me twice in 6 months. Both times they claimed I never promised a specific deliverable, even though I had email threads. Switched to a simple 2-page retainer that spells out scope, deadlines, and payment terms. Within 3 months, my non-payment rate dropped from about 20% to zero. The key was putting a line in about what happens if they add extra work mid-project. Has anyone else seen a similar change just from tightening up their intake paperwork?

2 comments

2 Comments

elizabeth4381mo ago

The extra work line is what really saved me too. I had a client who kept asking for small additions and then tried to argue they were part of the original deal. My retainer now says any new requests over an hour get a separate quote and approval before I start. It stopped the creep cold. I also added a late fee that kicks in after 15 days, which made people pay way faster. Still get the occasional eye roll when they sign, but nobody's stiffed me since.

cole_robinson1mo ago

@elizabeth438 nailed it - I learned the same lesson the hard way with a web designer who nickel-and-dimed me for months.