Always sign a contract in conjunction with a statement of work. There are plenty of boilerplate docs out there for the sow, hire a specialized lawyer for contra

Always sign a contract in conjunction with a statement of work. There are plenty of boilerplate docs out there for the sow, hire a specialized lawyer for contract docs. They can give you a blanket doc for short money. Even if the client tries not to pay, at least you have a binding agreement from which to negotiate or take them to court. Companies big and small renege on their contracts all the time, don't victimize yourself; it's how some business is done. But if don't have a contract: I'd have to evaluate the client first. If they're already a deadbeat, shame on you for doing business with them and like petervandijck says, just let it go. It's not worth the time and effort to chase them down as they have no means or intention of paying. Blackball them in the community is the worst you can do to them. But, if they're a going concern and they've stolen your time and work and are making money from it, I'd have to engage the services of an attorney and send them a strongly worded letter indicating your intent to sue for unpaid services, a portion of the proceeds of your work corresponding to what you see as adequate (always over 50%) along with damages, legal fees and court costs. Usually that's enough to get them to write you a check, but make sure that you allow them 30 days to pay at first, remind them every week after that and at 60 days have the attorney send the letter. Just because they're not conducting themselves in a professional manner doesn't mean you don't have to. Always take the high road, be firm yet polite and document all communications.