Knowing how to write a freelance contract can help protect you from certain risks that come with becoming a freelancer. Learn how to do it today!
Are you starting out as a freelancer and don’t know how to write a contract? Whether you work with local or international clients, a freelance contract will protect you from angry clients, scope creep, losing money, and copyright violations.
No matter what industry you’re in or how well you know the client, never start working without a contract. As an extra protection, always ask for an upfront payment to reserve a spot for a client in your calendar.
Keep reading to learn how to write a freelance contract and what you should include in it to protect yourself and your freelance business.
Names, Contact Information, and Roles of Contract Parties
A freelance contract should have the names, contact information, and roles of all involved parties. You should also add dates of signing the contract, duration of the contract, as well as deadlines for deliverables and payments.
Visit this website to find the best free contract tips and templates and create your very first freelance contract.
Project Deliverables and Deadlines
The most important part of any freelance contract is the project scope, deliverables, and deadlines. This is where you should define the amount of work you’ll be doing and the client limitations when it comes to the scope.
For instance, if you’re a freelance writer and a client asked for 4 blog posts, they can’t ask for more words or more blog posts unless they pay extra. Make sure to state these terms and conditions in your freelance writer contract.
Payment Information
The payment clause is one of the most important parts of a freelance design contract or any freelance agreement. This is where you and the client agree on the payment amount, deadlines, and terms. You should also include late payment fees if the client misses a deadline or doesn’t pay.
Ownership and Copyrights
In most cases of freelance work, the client should have the full rights and ownership to the end product. However, you can always request to use the work in your portfolio and to be properly credited for it.
Changes and Revisions
To avoid scope creep and clients who keep requesting more work and changes, add a clause where you’ll explain your terms and conditions. You should also add an hourly fee for anything that’s outside of the contract agreements or the number of revisions.
Termination Clause
If either of the parties involved is unhappy with the collaboration, a termination clause will define the terms of ending the contract. Include the timeframe for premature contract termination and applicable fees and reimbursements.
Protect Yourself With the Right Freelance Contract
Whether you’re a freelance writer, designer, blogger, or any other type of freelancer, you should never start working with clients without a freelance contract. Protecting yourself and your business from clients who don’t pay or demand too much will give you peace of mind. Plus, you’ll and you’ll always have a document to use in court if necessary.
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