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5 Simple Things Freelancers Need to Include in Client Contracts
A letter of agreement is necessary… but it doesn’t need to be big and scary.
Ah, the dreaded client contract. While it may be daunting, a legally-binding letter of agreement between you and someone for whom you are doing work is vitally important.
Yes, the mention of drafting a legal document frequently causes ulcers and aneurysms… but it doesn’t need to.
First, a contract is just for a worst-case scenario, and will likely only be used if someone is in serious breach — both you and the client hope you’ll never need it. Second, all the contract needs to do is establish some key terms so no ones gets shafted. (That’s a legal term.)
If you have a lawyer friend (good for you) and want to have them look your contract over that’s fine, but there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars to get an iron-clad document — at least not until you start getting into large sums of money.
Here’s a guideline for things you should include:
1. Project and Payment
- The scope of the work. Define deliverables. State that you are a freelance entity, and not in any way an employee of the client. Establish that once the client accepts and pays for the completed work, they accept full responsibility for any further processes (printing, etc.) It can also dictate maximum hours you will work on this project. This does not have to be in as much detail as a proposal.
- Payments terms. How you’ll get paid, how much, and when. Also include that any additional expenses that occur can be charged to the client (after you clear it with them, of course).
- Original Works. That the work is yours and not plagiarized.
2. Confidentiality and Exclusivity
- Confidentiality. The client’s proprietary information will stay confidential.
- Except in rare instances, you will have a non-exclusive relationship with the client. Meaning you can work for anyone, including clients in similar fields.
