Client and I agreed to $15K for a 3-month project over a phone call. I started work. Now 6 weeks in, they're saying they never agreed to that amount and want to pay $8K. I have nothing in writing except some emails about project scope. Am I screwed?
did you send any kind of proposal or quote before starting? even an informal one?
That's actually a written contract. You made an offer with specific terms, they accepted. It doesn't need to be a formal document to be enforceable. Their "sounds good" is acceptance.
Send them that email chain and politely point out that you have a written agreement. If they still refuse, small claims court is an option up to $10K in most states, or you could hire a lawyer to send a demand letter.
UPDATE: Sent them the email chain highlighting the agreement and the $7,500 payment. They backed down immediately and apologized — said it was a "miscommunication" with their accounting team. Getting the remaining $7,500 this week. Lesson learned: always get it in writing, even if it's just a confirmation email.