Problem getting a contract signed and no purchase order...

[Wanderer]

I've just started working for a client, but it was a quick start and I've started without a signed contract.

Starting work without a formal contract is not such a good thing to do, you should have at least presented them with your terms of business so you have something to go on.

However, an emailed estimate and a reply accepting this is enough to form a contract in my opinion. If they then allow you to start work they have accepted the contract. The danger is that the person who engages you doesn't have the authority to enter into a contract like this on behalf of the company.

The initial project is only 2 weeks worth of work, and they're saying they'll pay me in full on 31st of the month - which is 2 days after we've agreed to deliver the final work.

So I'm not sure what I can do to push this through. This client could be a great source of long-term work, and I know the manager who's given me the work a little bit. I think it's just a case of them taking their time rather than actively avoiding doing this stuff, so I don't want to ruin the relationship.

So we're due to review our first detailed work in a couple of days, but I have no contract or PO. We did agree an estimate via email, is that enough if they fail to pay?

What's the minimum I need to ensure that I get paid? Does anyone have advice about how to tactfully push this forward?

I would tread carefully. With a bit of patience, you could end up with a nice arrangement to do ad hoc work for the client. When the project comes to an end, do a handover to your client manager and get confirmation that everything is fit for purpose and that payment will be on the agreed date. Email them a summary of your conversation thanking them for the business and attach a copy of your invoice.

Although it's not good form to work with no contract, if it was the choice of doing that or sitting at home with nothing to do then I might be inclined to take a punt on it as you have done. However, you can't cry too much if you get a pile of grief trying to get paid either. Next time, get a terms of business agreed up front along with your estimate (PCG have some templates).

Let us know how you get on!

[mcskiver]

@SueEllen - thanks for that. It's good to get a reply with a suggestion, rather than just reiterating that I'm in a bad situation!

The point of my original post was that I know this is a cr*p situation to be in, and I want to get out of it...

I've told the client this morning we'll be stopping work today without this being signed. Let's see if that helps.

[SueEllen]

Very bad.

You have simply told them without the signed contracted (or purchase order whatever you prefer) your insurances are invalidated so you can't start work for them until you have it.

It doesn't matter if this is true or not but it's normally enough to get clients to agree to things formally.

[psychocandy]

Hmmmm..... Not good.

[BolshieBastard]

As I said, I've got an email accepting my initial estimate, but I'm not happy with that really. Still feels pretty flimsy... Or is that enough?

O-oh, red flag time! Accepting your 'initial estimate'? Not a firm quote?

I know Im a cynic but, I can only see this headed one way. And that's if you get paid, its going to be less than you value the delivered work is worth.

[eek]

Or is that enough?

Probably not.

[mcskiver]

As I said, I've got an email accepting my initial estimate, but I'm not happy with that really. Still feels pretty flimsy... Or is that enough?

[b0redom]

So, just to confirm. You're doing work for a customer with no contract and no purchase order. On faith that they'll just pay up? Do you have an email from them stating that they accept your quote, and are engaging you?

If not, I've got some magic beans I can sell you.

[mcskiver]

Hi there,

I've just started working for a client, but it was a quick start and I've started without a signed contract.

I'm working as a supplier rather than an on-site contractor (I've got an employee working with me, and our own office space) and I've now been told by the client they don't provide purchase orders either.

The initial project is only 2 weeks worth of work, and they're saying they'll pay me in full on 31st of the month - which is 2 days after we've agreed to deliver the final work.

So I'm not sure what I can do to push this through. This client could be a great source of long-term work, and I know the manager who's given me the work a little bit. I think it's just a case of them taking their time rather than actively avoiding doing this stuff, so I don't want to ruin the relationship.

So we're due to review our first detailed work in a couple of days, but I have no contract or PO. We did agree an estimate via email, is that enough if they fail to pay?

What's the minimum I need to ensure that I get paid? Does anyone have advice about how to tactfully push this forward?

Thanks for any advice.