Hi, I’m about to engage in my first paid freelance work but I don’t actually know how to be paid! Do I draw up a contract?
If so, what types of things should I include/ask for? Might be a naive question but I could really use some advice!
Replies13
- @Daniel Drabik this is
- @Olivia Macioti That’s a great tip, thank you Olivia!!
- @Peter Wright Thank you for the advice Peter
- @Daniel Drabik Thank you Daniel! Really great advice, I was barely aware of those terms!
- @John McGarvey Thank you John!!
- @Vikki Ross Thank you Vikki, that sounds ideal!
- @Anna Dora L. Thank you Anna, that’s what I was thinking!
- Hi Holly,In the UK mails counts roughly on the same way as a contract so you are protected if everything is clarified via mail. In practise it yes might easier to have a contract - I personally don't do as every gig is so vary. The important points are pricing, timing, deliverables, round of amends and usage.Feel free to check out my work on https://www.instagram.com/annadoralascsik/
- If you're interested, Sarah Townsend wrote a brilliant guide to freelancing:https://www.sarahtownsendeditorial.co.uk/survival-skills-for-freelancers/
- Hello and congrats on your first paid job!Yep I would 100% use a contract. It protects you, protects the client, and - honestly - I think makes you look more professional.Shameless plug alert: Years ago I created a template that I used successfully in my own business. You can download it here: https://www.procopywriters.co.uk/resources-for-copywriters/I can't vouch for it being legally watertight, but I used it a bunch and it never let me down. (Also, looking at it afresh with a critical eye, it's maybe a little overwritten in places!)That aside, you'll need to invoice the customer before they pay you. Be clear about your terms (when you expect payment after the invoice is issued - immediately, 15 days, 30 days etc).Keep in mind that big companies may have their own standardized payment terms and it can be tricky to get these changed. I usually sucked this up because I tended to charge them a bit more and I knew that they'd be good for the cash in the end.
- Yes, yes, yes, contracts protect you. You can write up a simple SOW (Statement Of Works) make sure to include in there what you will do for the client, be very clear about it. This will prevent Scope Creep in your project. If the client requests more work outside of the SOW, then write up a Change Order - Charge additional for the extra work and get a signature before you do anything, and of-course like @Olivia Macioti mentioned, request at least 50% up-front.Good Luck and welcome to the Freelance world :)
- Yes. Get it in a contract.Specify what you’ve agreed to do and by when.Make it really clear that delivery is also dependent on whatever the client needs to do and provide for you (if applicable).Make sure they sign and send it back to you before work commences - with a date!!!
- There are some useful contracts online you can pull up! I’d recommend researching those, and getting at least a 50% advance on your final fee to know that even if your client backs out last second you’ll get some compensation for your hard work.Never send your final piece before payment, as your client could just run off with it and not pay you. Watermarks should be your best friend!
You must sign up or log in before you
add a comment.