Any work you agree to undertake must be committed to an agreement which is signed by both parties. The 'contract' is your protectection against disputes resulting in late or no payment.
There is no need to feel uneasy or nervous about insisting that a contract must be drawn up. This is a business transaction and if the other party gets jittery about signing an agreement, remind them that it will protect them too.
No matter how small or big the job is or how long you are going to work on the project, you need to get the terms of payment, (i.e. 30 days from date of invoice) and an end date with all the work details you are required to do recorded in the contract to be signed by both parties.
A contract will make your life easier and the bank manager happy!
