Client says they're in a rush and wants me to start Monday. I sent a simple contract twice. Now they're saying 'just trust us, we'll sort paperwork later.' It's a 3-week project. Do I start without a signature? I don't want to lose the job but I also don't want to work for free if they ghost.
Contracts
The client wants me to start immediately but won't sign anything
No signature, no start. Simple as that. They're already showing you how they'll handle agreements.
Three weeks is a long time time to gamble on 'trust us.' I'd send a one-page letter of intent with a deposit due before kickoff. If they balk at that, you have your answer.
I’ve been burned exactly once like this. Client swore they’d sign after the first milestone. Six weeks later I’m chasing an invoice and they’re 'reorganizing.' Never again.
counterpoint: sometimes corporate sign-off takes forever but the project is real. Can you get a written email confirming scope, rate, and startt date? Not perfect but better than nothing.
lol 'just trust us' is the corporate equivalent of 'the check is in the mail.'
i suggested a deposit and they got weird about it. Said their AP process doesn't work that way. I'm leaning toward walking but I really need the work right now.
Their AP process not working that way is their problem to solve, not yours to absorb. Also 'we'll sort paperwork later' usually means 'we'll sort it when we feel like it.'
Have they given you a purchase order or anything? That's at least a trail. Emails count for something if things go sideways.
This is why I only do net-30 for established clients. New folks pay 50% up front or I don't answer the phone. Harsh but my blood pressure thanks me.