Having a contract means nothing in the real world. You'll win the battle with it, but lose the war.

Most folks don't know what's it's like going to court to get a judgement against someone. In the many years I've been playing I think I had to go to Small Claims Court maybe 1/2 dozen times to claim my money. In those days, I would not play without a contract.

Here's what happens if you get stiffed in any way. You start a dialogue with the person about getting the monies owed (out of politeness and out of trying to avoid Small Claims Court). That hardly ever works so the next step is....go down to the Court, fill out the papers, pay the processing fee, and go home and wait for your court date appearance. On that day, you get up about 4 in the morning to make sure you get to the court in time (a no show means you lose your case). Most times you're there until mid-afternoon waiting for your case to be heard.

When the judge sees the signed contract he will enforce it, no questions asked. So you get your judgment awarded to you. BUT.....it the person ignores the judgment, you then have to go back to court to have a judge enforce collection proceedings. That means he assigns a Sheriff to take the money from them physically or have the person's wages garnished.

I had a bride once who cancelled a week before. I took her and the contract to court, got awarded my money, but it took a year to finally get the whole amount. You can imagine how much time and energy I put into that deal.

Luckily, most folks don't know they stand a good shot of getting away with it by just ignoring the judge's decree to pay. Most of those I took to court just payed me. But when you get one like that obnoxious bride (who I had to have her wages attached) you end up going through so many hoops, you wonder is it worth it?

It got to the point where I personally solved the problem by telling a client (in a polite and friendly, but professional way) that they need to pay a 50% deposit and the balance BEFORE I start playing. It helps a lot when I add that they can pay me right up to one minute before I start, but it HAS TO BE BEFORE I START! That tends to make them more comfortable if they can pay me at the job rather than by mailing a check beforehand.

Mark