Why not get your local friendly lawyer (lol I know, I know) if you can get him or her out of their coffin before dusk to write you a simple boiler plate contract. You can email it to them and get it signed along with the cheque for 50%. My feeling on this as a customer is that is shows professionalism on the side of the smith and gives either one of you a legal argument should things go pear shaped. Of course its hard to get anykind of action on a sum of less than $7500 but the contract would add a little 'heft'.
If I wanted a custom job and had every intention of paying for it I wouldnt have an issue with a contract.
just my 2c worth
If I wanted a custom job and had every intention of paying for it I wouldnt have an issue with a contract.
just my 2c worth