Re: Do I need a contract to sell my web design services?

[mitso]

I just want to sell simple, five to eight page – $500 websites and promote my services via a portfolio website displaying some of my layout/designs that clients can choose from to base their design off.

In a simple agreement with an order form I would state a payment of 50% is required before starting any work and the final 50% when finished.

Do I really need a contract for them to sign? I do understand that the contract could stand for any legal issue, but do I really need one if I take a 50 percent deposit and the rest when I am about to deliver the approved design?

If so, are these free ones floating around the web ok?