- This topic has 16 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 2 months ago by
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UHey everyone, I’m a freelance video editor and I’m in a bit of a situation. I signed a written agreement with a client on March 3 for a flat rate of INR 10,000 for 40 days of editing work—up to 5 podcast episodes and 30 reels. The contract clearly states that the amount is fixed (even if they assign fewer tasks), and that either party must give 30 days’ notice to end it.
I delivered 1 podcast and 8 reels on time, but on March 31, the client emailed me saying they’ll only pay INR 3,280 based on some random per-piece calculation, and that they’re ending things immediately without notice. This violates the agreement, and I have the signed contract and email proof.
Can anybody help me out?
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UBut Im a collage student and this was my first client… I don’t have any amount of money on me right now😓
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EHey, are you still hiring? i am a master’s student and need an internship for 3 months to complete my degree. Open to working post degree as well if things look good, open to relocating.
Looking forward to hearing back.
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EHey, lawyer here. I think you can engage a decent lawyer and get the money back with interest if the scenario is as you say. However it totally depends on the contract both the parties consented to.
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UI know I can easily win but the thing is this is my first ever interaction with court and declined payment. Could you please be able to help me?
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EYea that’s a little intimidating but you have to understand not everything goes to court, sometimes a legal notice helps sometimes mediation and what not. I can help you just let me know what you need.
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BNAL-
**1.**You entered into a fixed-price freelance contract that clearly outlines deliverables, a flat fee, and a 30-day notice clause. The client accepted the terms, received part of the work, and is now attempting to underpay and terminate the contract illegally. This is a **breach of contract**, and you have a **strong legal standing** to claim your full payment.
**Things you must understand-**
**a) Written Contracts are Legally Enforceable** – A signed agreement, even between individuals, holds legal weight in India. Since the client agreed to a fixed INR 10,000 for the 40-day period, their sudden move to switch to per-piece billing is **not valid**.
**b) 30-Day Termination Clause Must Be Honoured** Unilaterally ending the contract without notice is another violation. They’re bound to either continue or compensate for the agreed period.
**c) You Have Solid Proof** – Since you have the **signed contract**, **email conversation**, and **delivered content**, this is enough to move forward with a legal notice and potentially file a case in **consumer forum** or **small claims court**.**2. Sending a Legal Notice for Breach of Contract-**
**a) Legal Notice is First Step** – A well-drafted legal notice can push the client to settle the payment without dragging the matter to court. It shows that you are serious and ready to escalate legally.
**b) You Can Send Through a Lawyer** – Hire a civil or contract lawyer (or a consumer law specialist). They will draft the notice stating the following:
Details of the agreement
Services you delivered
The fixed payment clause
Their illegal underpayment and breach of termination terms
Your demand to receive the balance amount within 7–10 working days
**c) Format of Legal Notice Will Include:**
Your name, contact, and address
Client’s name and business details
Reference to contract date and terms
Details of what was delivered
Breach details (underpayment, no notice)
Demand for full payment
Warning of legal action in case of failure to pay**3. Documents You Need to Proceed-**
**a) Signed Agreement Copy** – The contract signed by both parties, clearly mentioning flat rate, deliverables, and termination clause.
**b) Delivery Proof** – Links to edited videos, email attachments, or timestamps showing content was delivered.
**c) Email/Chat Proof** – Email from client acknowledging receipt of work, or confirming deliverables. Also include their message refusing full payment.
**d) Bank Details and Invoice (Optional)** – If you’ve already raised an invoice, include it. This will show your official payment request.**4. If They Still Refuse to Pay?**
**a) Consumer Forum Case** – As a freelancer offering a service, you can approach the **Consumer Forum** (District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission). It’s free or low cost and doesn’t require a lawyer. You can claim compensation for **breach of contract and mental stress**.
**b) Civil Suit in Small Causes Court** – If the client ignores the legal notice, you can file a **civil suit for recovery of dues**. This is ideal for amounts above INR 5,000 and less than INR 1 lakh.
**c) Public Exposure (Carefully)** – Once you’ve sent the legal notice and waited 10–15 days, and they still don’t pay, you can **share your experience online** through platforms like LinkedIn or freelancing forums—**but only state facts** and do not defame or exaggerate.**I Recommend to-**
1. Hire a lawyer and send a **legal notice** demanding full payment (INR 10,000) within 10 days.
2. Keep all documents—**contract, emails, delivery records, chat logs, payment communication**—organized.
3. If they don’t respond or pay, **file a complaint with the Consumer Forum** or in small claims civil court.
4. Avoid working with such clients in the future without taking **partial upfront payment** and milestone-based billing.
5. Once legal notice is ignored, you can consider **exposing the unprofessional conduct publicly**, but only with clear documentation to avoid defamation risk. -
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