Do any of you who do websites on the side have a good skeleton of a contract you would be willing to share? I tried Google, but it seemed they all we 6 pages or more.
I thought those of you who have been doing it a while might have a good, concise one that has proven to be clear to all parties involved in the process.
Thanks,
MJ
website design contracts
I have a really simple contract that I adapted from a sample contract provided free for use by a well-known web developer/blogger (don't remember who – maybe Andy Clarke* ). I think the original template was 2 or 3 pages, but I culled a lot of stuff that wasn't relevant to me.
Here are some sites that have examples:
- https://www.docracy.com/application/dochome (all sorts of free forms/contracts)
- https://24ways.org/2008/contract-killer (w link to contract example) *
- http://www.zenfulcreations.com/resource … ntract.htm (free to use if reworded)
- http://www.biztree.com/doc/website-desi … ement-D821 (professional contract-very detailed)
- https://www.rocketlawyer.com/document/w … reement.rl (create your contract for free)
- http://www.gethourglass.com/web-design- … plate.html (just downloaded it, pretty simple, check it out)
I provide clients with a detailed Project Description along with an Estimate. These cover everything we've discussed such as what the client is responsible for (written content, font and/or photo purchases for example), design considerations, business/marketing goals, and all services to be provided by me.
That leaves a one-page contract that refers back to the Project Description for details and outlines payments/deposits, kill fees, delivery dates, ownership of files, scope of work, site maintenance, errors/corrections etc.
I have the client initial each section and we both sign/date at the bottom.
I also spell out just what's covered and make it plain that additional work will require a new contract – along with payment. For example, client decides half way through a web design project that he'd like a new logo. No, I can't just throw that in at no charge – client can refer back to Project Description to confirm a new logo design was not included.
The contract also states that if I don't have all the client-provided materials by a certain time, their project might have to be delayed and the due date changed ('cause I'll start on something else while I'm waiting ).
Here are some sites that have examples:
- https://www.docracy.com/application/dochome (all sorts of free forms/contracts)
- https://24ways.org/2008/contract-killer (w link to contract example) *
- http://www.zenfulcreations.com/resource … ntract.htm (free to use if reworded)
- http://www.biztree.com/doc/website-desi … ement-D821 (professional contract-very detailed)
- https://www.rocketlawyer.com/document/w … reement.rl (create your contract for free)
- http://www.gethourglass.com/web-design- … plate.html (just downloaded it, pretty simple, check it out)
I provide clients with a detailed Project Description along with an Estimate. These cover everything we've discussed such as what the client is responsible for (written content, font and/or photo purchases for example), design considerations, business/marketing goals, and all services to be provided by me.
That leaves a one-page contract that refers back to the Project Description for details and outlines payments/deposits, kill fees, delivery dates, ownership of files, scope of work, site maintenance, errors/corrections etc.
I have the client initial each section and we both sign/date at the bottom.
I also spell out just what's covered and make it plain that additional work will require a new contract – along with payment. For example, client decides half way through a web design project that he'd like a new logo. No, I can't just throw that in at no charge – client can refer back to Project Description to confirm a new logo design was not included.
The contract also states that if I don't have all the client-provided materials by a certain time, their project might have to be delayed and the due date changed ('cause I'll start on something else while I'm waiting ).
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by. (Douglas Adams)
https://www.callendales.com
https://www.callendales.com
Thanks, Paintbrush, for the detailed descriptions from your experience, and the tips on what to spell out regarding what is covered. And also for the links with notations of what to see there:). I will definitely check these out.
Have a great day and weekend.
MJ
Have a great day and weekend.
MJ
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