Mouthfees

Mouthfees is a term that emerged in discussions surrounding the informal economy and gig work. It refers to the unwritten understanding or expectation that certain types of informal services, often provided by individuals with limited overhead, might be compensated through a direct, often verbal, agreement rather than a formal contract or fee structure. The term itself is a colloquialism, blending the idea of a "fee" with the direct, personal nature of the transaction, implying a payment made directly from a client to a service provider in a straightforward, often immediate manner.

This concept is particularly relevant in contexts where trust and personal relationships play a significant role in facilitating transactions. It can encompass a wide range of services, from small favors among acquaintances to more structured, yet still informal, arrangements for tasks like casual labor, creative contributions, or personal assistance. The absence of formal invoicing or payment processing is a key characteristic. While not a legally defined term, mouthfees highlights the flexibility and spontaneity that can exist in certain economic exchanges, often operating outside traditional employment structures. It reflects a pragmatic approach to compensation where the value of the service is understood and agreed upon directly between parties.