Freelancing Stack Exchange
Freelancing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [contracts]

Questions concerning contracts between a freelancer, agent and a client.

The contract details the terms and conditions of the relationship between a freelancer and their client (often via an agent).

Note: terminology is important - a freelancer will operate using a Contract For Services with a Client... an employee works under a Contract Of Service for an employer.

Use this tag to identify questions that are about managing contracts, writing contracts, enforcing contracts, and problems Freelancers face with contracts.

337 questions
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Where can I find good contract templates?

When a new freelancer works with a small client, neither party may have experience with contracts. This community wiki provides starting points they can use to think through the issues that should be covered in a good contract and begin with much of…
Edward Brey
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Should I use a written contract when working for small businesses?

I’m working mostly for small businesses and I’ve never used a written contract. No client has asked about it yet. The only paper involved is my offer and invoice. When I started my freelancing, I read into this topic and came to the conclusion that…
unor
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2 answers

Should bug fixing of a finished project be free?

Lets say I finished an app recently - was hired to develop it. By the end the client tested features, paid me and the development was over. The question: what to do with the bugs which can appear further? Should I fix my bugs for free in the future,…
user710
14
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5 answers

How do I determine which type of contract to use?

I have seen multiple types of contracts: Independent Contractor Agreement Master Services Agreement Statement Of Work Verbal Agreement Are any/all of these types of contracts applicable for freelance work, and are there clear lines for choosing…
Brad Ullery
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4 answers

Project based freelance project requiring multiple unexpected "redos" from client

I've got a project based contract to build a software app. The planned contract initially stated an aggressive 8 week release plan, and it was stated that the designs and API were at or near completion. Payment was 25% up front, 25% at milestone,…
Miro
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10
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3 answers

Formalities and steps when getting from an initial contact to a contract (and templates of documents used during these steps)

I have actually been looking for information on how to do consulting work (software development) as a small business. In this case I would be the sole owner of a company (or a sole proprietor). What is a bit of a mystery for me are the formal…
x457812
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4 answers

Formality of contracts

I'm currently taking on one or two odd jobs, but without formal contracts. While these two in particular won't likely require contracts, I still would like to present one. Is there a particular guideline to how formal/informal a contract should be?…
Chris Forrence
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6 answers

Should I ask every client to sign a contract?

Should I ask every client to sign a contract? In other words, does it show professionalism or does it turn people off? Should I ask for a contract if the job is a certain length or certain importance?
user6035379
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Is it unreasonable to withhold completed work if a contract hasn't been signed?

I'm doing a small bit of work for a client. I sent a written estimate and a written contract for both parties to sign; both were agreed to verbally, but I haven't received a signed copy of my contract yet. I later learned that I would be…
user8159
8
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2 answers

Should client requirements be included in a contract?

A contract between a client and a freelancer is very important, and it covers things such as boundaries, your pay (hourly or set amount), cancellation terms and limits (hours, deadlines, etc). Should the requirements of a client also be included in…
NullPoiиteя
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8
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Project bigger than what was initially planned. How to tell the customer the higher price and different contract conditions?

I agreed with a customer to import data from excel files and build a report with them. Since it was not a big project I did not charge too much. I also asked for an annual fee for bug fixing and maintenance. As in the boiling frog story, the…
Fil
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5
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Client threatening to sue me

I have a client with a freelance website. We agreed on $125 to finish a project. He agreed to a contract as an hourly job. It was $3 per hour including the website's charge. So 41 hours per week would be $123. On the last day of the first week, I…
maybelline
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How can I write a contract based on intellectual property?

I am contemplating an offer for the design and development of some themes for a CMS. The payment option is reimbursement based on the sale with a commission after the reimbursement for time spent in development. I typically would not do this but…
DᴀʀᴛʜVᴀᴅᴇʀ
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4 answers

What are the pro and cons of working directly with a client versus through a consulting agency?

Never have done any consulting or freelancing work I'm curious what the advantages and disadvantages are. Obviously a consulting company takes a cut on your pay check and may provide some business connections that give your more consulting…
Claus
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Is it reasonable for customer to require $1 million liability insurance for $1500 contract?

I had a customer send me a docusign for purchase terms before sending an expected PO. One of the terms was that I would agree to purchase $1 million of general liability insurance and name them as additional beneficiary. Is this reasonable for a…
Chris94
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