Client Trouble Response and Legal Protection [2025 Edition] Self-Defense for Side Businesses and Freelancers
"I delivered the work but haven't been paid" "The specifications changed and I can't get additional fees"
Unfortunately, when working as a side business or freelancer, you may encounter client troubles.
This article explains common trouble patterns and their prevention and resolution methods. Preparation protects your rights.
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5 Common Client Troubles
1. Non-Payment or Late Payment
Payment not received after delivery, or significantly delayed. This is the most common trouble freelancers experience.
Common scenarios: Direct contracts, no written agreement, first-time clients
2. Free Scope Changes and Additional Work
Being asked for unpaid work outside the contract scope, like "Can you also do this?" or "It's not what I imagined, redo everything."
Common scenarios: Vague specifications, no revision limits set
3. Unilateral Contract Cancellation
Suddenly told "Let's cancel after all" mid-project, with no payment for work already done.
Common scenarios: No cancellation clause, no upfront payment
4. Unauthorized Use of Copyright and Deliverables
Deliverables used without payment, or used beyond the contracted scope.
Common scenarios: Unclear copyright ownership, poor deliverable management
5. Unfair Discount Demands and Harassment
Finding fault after delivery to demand discounts, or pressuring with aggressive behavior.
Common scenarios: Ratings held hostage, vulnerable newcomers
Solutions by Trouble Type
Handling Non-Payment
Step 1: Send a Reminder
First, politely remind via email or message with a soft tone like "Perhaps it slipped your mind?" Set a deadline and follow up.
Step 2: Certified Mail Demand
If reminders are ignored, send a certified mail payment demand. Including notice of potential legal action is effective.
Step 3: Small Claims Court / Payment Order
For amounts under $5,000, small claims court (decision in one day) or payment orders (document review only) are available. No lawyer required.
Step 4: Consult the Freelance Trouble Hotline
A free consultation service commissioned by the government. Free consultations with lawyers are available.
Evidence Preservation is Key
- - Contracts, purchase orders, quotes
- - Email and chat exchanges (save screenshots)
- - Deliverable data (saved with timestamps)
- - Transfer records, invoices
Handling Scope Changes and Additional Work
Solution 1: Document Changes
Send an email saying "Regarding the additional work requested, an additional fee of $XX and timeline extension of Y days is required. Please confirm." and get agreement.
Solution 2: Clarify Contract Scope
Communicate "The original contract covered X scope. Please let me provide a separate quote for additional requests."
Solution 3: Courage to Decline
For unreasonable demands, it's important to say "I'm sorry, but that would be difficult to accommodate." Setting boundaries helps maintain long-term relationships.
Handling Unilateral Contract Cancellation
Freelance Protection Law (Effective November 2024)
Ordering businesses must provide 30 days advance notice for mid-term cancellation. Even without notice, there is an obligation to pay for work already completed.
Solution
Document work progress and claim payment for work completed up to cancellation. If refused, you can report to the Fair Trade Commission or Small and Medium Enterprise Agency.
How to Prevent Troubles
1. Always Have a Written Contract
Verbal agreements are absolutely not acceptable. Even for small jobs, document at minimum:
- - Scope of work and deliverables
- - Payment amount and terms
- - Deadline
- - Revision limits
- - Cancellation handling
- - Copyright ownership
2. Negotiate Upfront or Milestone Payments
Especially for large projects or new clients, negotiate upfront payment.
Recommended payment terms:
- - 50% at start + 50% at delivery
- - 30% at start + 30% mid-project + 40% at delivery
- - Full payment upfront for small jobs
3. Use Crowdsourcing Escrow Features
Escrow features on platforms like CrowdWorks and Coconala significantly reduce non-payment risk.
If you start work after escrow is completed, the platform guarantees payment even if the client refuses.
4. Verify Client Credibility in Advance
Check client information before accepting work.
- - Ratings and reviews on crowdsourcing platforms
- - Search the company name (does it exist, what's their reputation)
- - How polite is the contact person
- - Are they rushing you to sign
5. Keep All Communications in Writing
After phone meetings, confirm content via email. Send "Let me confirm what we discussed on the call."
Consultation Resources
Freelance Trouble Hotline
Government-commissioned service. Free lawyer consultations available.
Phone: 0120-532-110 (Weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Subcontractor Support Hotline
Free consultation service from the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) also available.
Phone: 0120-418-618
Legal Aid Services
If you meet income requirements, legal fee advance systems are available.
Phone: 0570-078374
Platform Customer Support
Consult customer support for services like CrowdWorks and Coconala. They can help if there are terms of service violations.
Summary
For troubles, "prevention before they happen" is more important than "dealing with them after."
Make contracts, evidence preservation, and payment term negotiations a habit. Even if trouble occurs, calm handling opens paths to resolution.
Trouble Prevention Checklist
- 1. Always exchange contracts (or purchase orders)
- 2. Confirm upfront or escrow payment before starting work
- 3. Keep all communications in writing
- 4. Verify client credibility in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still claim payment without a contract?
Yes, email and chat exchanges can serve as evidence even without a contract. If you can prove the work request, agreed amount, and delivery fact, payment claims are possible. However, the burden of proof is greater, so having a contract is recommended.
Can I use small claims court without a lawyer?
Yes, you can. For monetary claims under $5,000, small claims court is available and decisions are made in one hearing. Court clerks can help with document preparation. Filing fees are only a few hundred dollars.
Is it okay to publicly name problematic clients?
Publicly criticizing companies or individuals on social media risks defamation lawsuits. Even if true, it may be illegal if not "matters of public interest." Consulting official channels is safer.
What should I do if threatened with a bad rating?
Unfair demands using ratings as leverage may violate platform terms of service. Save the communications and consult platform support. Unjustified low ratings can sometimes be removed.
Prepare for Troubles
With contracts and insurance, you can work on your side business with confidence