Do you send a contract for small gigs, or just trust the client?

Genuine question for freelancers and small agencies.

For big projects, a contract is a no-brainer. But for a $300 logo tweak or a two-day dev fix, it can feel like overkill. Sending one can even make the client hesitate.

I’ve gone both ways:

• No contract: fast start, but twice the scope crept and once the payment took 60 days.

• Contract every time: slower start, but no awkward “that wasn’t included” conversations.

Where do you draw the line?

• Is there a project size below which you skip it?

• Do you use something lighter, like an email confirmation or a one-page scope?

• Has skipping a contract ever burned you?

Would love to hear the horror stories and the shortcuts that actually work.