
To be clear, I specify this for the following items: Client Content, Trademarks, Designer Tools, Assignment, Attribution, and Samples.Ĭlient Content, any materials supplied by the client so you can perform your work, remains the property of the client, and you have the right to use these materials to complete your services. The main goal of the Grant of Rights section is to state who owns what (and when), and who gets to use what (and when). Grant of Rights (important for freelancers) You should also reserve the right to withhold deliverables and rights if invoices are not paid in full. Whether you enforce late fees or not, it is a good practice to be clear on what is expected from the client should you need to charge a late fee. The Invoices section defines when invoices are due and any applicable services charges such as late fees. I state that all invoices are payable within 30 days, a 1.5% monthly service charge is payable on all overdue balances, payments will be credited to the late fees first before they are applied to the unpaid balance, and the client shall be responsible for any legal fees incurred by late payment. You don’t want to surprise a client at the end of the project with these costs. It’s also a good idea to state that no expenses will be assessed unless approved by the client first or included in the Proposal or Estimate. If you plan to markup these fees, include that markup amount in this section. Expenses may include printing and production, photography, artwork licenses, online access fees, postage, shipping, presentation materials, and photocopies. So everybody’s on the same page, I specifically define these important terms that are used throughout the contract: agreement, copyrights, deliverables, designer tools, final art, project, services and trademarks.Įxpenses are additional fees you incur above your agreed upon project fees. Your job is to lay out the terms and conditions of working together. Terms & Conditions in a freelance contract As a template, it comes with notes and tips for making it yours.

You need people to sign before you begin a project. You shall not start a project without a contract AND a deposit! Okay? If they still haven’t signed when the project is scheduled to start, just say: “We have one quick housekeeping issue…” My contract is three pages long, and it’s never deterred a client.

Worried a contract is too overwhelming? Don’t worry. When it comes to your freelance contract template, definitely DO these things: Even though it’s legally binding, a successful freelance contract doesn’t need to be ultra-complex. The client has to execute the agreement within that period or it’s subject to change. What’s your effective date? This contract should not be valid forever. When are they getting what? And when are they paying for what? Define this either in your contract or in an accompanying Estimate or Proposal.

The biggest mistake is not having one! I want every freelancer to have a contract for even the smallest project-no ifs, ands or buts about it! Beyond that, make sure to avoid these missteps.
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