Is anyone willing to share their contract template that they use when beginning a freelance assignment? Not quite sure where to begin!
I've recently encountered my first problem with "casually" doing freelance work and trusting people on their word (naïve... I know) without signing a contract up front. After completing and sending the work, the client was unwilling to pay the pre-agreed price.
I'd like to write my own contract template to use for any future freelance work, but i'm not sure what is the norm in the industry. Any help is much appreciated!
Cheers,
Tom
Replies7
- https://worknotes.co.uk/
- Assosiaction of Photographers has some amazing resources you can used.https://www.the-aop.org/join-us/student
- Don't worry, I've made that mistake before – in a way I find those mistakes crucial for learning, as they tend to stick to us more than if it went perfectly.I've now implemented 50% deposit (before the work starts) to secure a slot with me (this is when you know who's serious about it or not, they shouldn't have a problem if they are going ot pay). You can also break that further to 25% invoice after presentation and the final 25% invoice once they have signed off but pre-delivery (you do not deliver the high-res assets unless they have paid all invoices). You can always watermark the work, once they pay you un-watermark. Add that to the contract that it'll be watermakred until payment has been received.I've started following an amazing account on IG @creativechampshttps://www.creativechamps.co/Got some very useful tips, but it's all a constant learning process.
- Hi Tom I send a very simple agreement laying out terms and conditions before any work begins, which you get them to sign and send back. An agreement of the fee, payment terms and a timeline of when you will complete and opportunity to invite changes are the key points. For published work there may be a licensing use issue. With painting I normally ask for a deposit upfront also. With larger corporate companies it’s best to find out their invoicing policy as often you have to fill out supplier paper work and obtain PO numbers. It can be draining
- @Jessica Lohmeier @Tamryn Kerr Thanks, i'll check these out!
- I don't know that mine would help much since I am in the US (and in the midst of updating), but AIGA has the following link that might have some insights. There is also the book Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines that may be of use. I use it for so many things and it's relatively affordable.https://www.aiga.org/contractshttps://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Artists-Guild-Handbook-Guidelines/dp/1507206682/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EVIDP6G8Y6CQ&dchild=1&keywords=pricing+and+ethical+guidelines+handbook&sprefix=Pricing+and+ethical%2Caps%2C510&sr=8-1
- Hi Tom, I don't have one to hand but The Freelance Circle site has some contract templates that would be good to check out. They also have a great community of freelancers on social who you could also ask. Tam
You must sign up or log in before you
add a comment.