As a freelance professional it’s tempting to jump into a project as soon as you land a client. A casual handshake and suddenly you’re already halfway through the deliverables with no written terms. But forgoing paperwork feels easier today—and it could result in bitter disputes. Understanding the right moment to request a contract is not about being overly cautious—it’s about protecting your time, your work, and your business.

You should always insist on a contract when the project involves work that extends beyond a few hours. If the client is asking for multiple deliverables or anything that spans more than a few days, a formal document is required. Even if the client seems trustworthy, handshake deals crumble when disputes arise. A contract sets clear boundaries for both parties—the exact outputs|milestone dates|the agreed rate|and how changes to the scope will be handled.

Another red flag is when payment is not clearly defined. If the client says they’ll pay "when the budget clears" or "as soon as we can", that’s a clear indicator to pause. Include milestones, deposit terms, and late payment penalties. Without this, you could end up unpaid despite delivering everything.

Always require a contract when intellectual property is involved. If you’re developing visual assets, ghostwriting articles, designing apps, or producing proprietary assets, the contract needs to state IP transfer terms. Otherwise, you could be barred from using your own designs—or face legal liability for misuse.

Never underestimate tiny jobs or trusted contacts. The most common freelancing disasters happen with people you like and trust. A contract doesn’t mean you don’t trust them—it means you’re being professional. It prevents misunderstandings and gives everyone clarity.

If a client refuses to sign a simple, standard contract, that’s a critical red flag. It may mean they’re disregarding your professional boundaries, or найти дизайнера they intend to avoid payment. Decline the project if they refuse. Your work has value, and protecting that value starts with a signed agreement.

Over time, insisting on a contract saves you time, money, and stress. It enhances your professional image, distinguishes you from amateurs, and guards your legacy. Always require a contract unless the task is minuscule, single-use, and settled immediately in person. At minimum, send a brief confirmation is better than nothing. You’ll be glad you did it later.