One of the items freelance designers aren’t armed with is a contract or an agreement that should be signed by the designer and the client. As much as the printed material isn’t all legal without a certified seal but the signature on the paper strictly certifies its officiality and authorization by both parties. This paper can’t rush the deposit or payment remainder from the client to you unless you sue them – which I don’t think you’d want to do.
However, this paper signed on can be your shining armor against some legal actions a client might take on you. For instance; if the client wanted to slap you with a legal suit for not offering what you say then your documentation of the list of items both parties have considered is in the agreement. Don’t get it? Well, legal agreements aren’t made for easy reading.
It’s better to cover your bases from all possible angles from design revisions to untimely completion of the project to the termination of the project. One of the advices my business lecturer in Melbourne taught is that you don’t have to write a legal agreement from scratch. Especially when you’re a startup and you can’t afford hiring a legal firm or advisor to help you out. The other way is something my clients shared with me, get your friends who’re certified lawyers for tips and advices. :)
If you do find a legal agreement online that you can use as reference, you’ll still have to make sure you read the whole agreement. As much headache and twirly eyes you’ll get, you’ll need to make sure the agreement documents important points you require when you’re in the field.
The next part might sound weird but you’ll also have to make sure the agreement protects the interest of your clients. Yes, you’ll need to produce an agreement that isn’t bias to either party. For the client side, it’s very simple. You need to make sure most holes are filled with answers. For instance; if the client has brochures that they’d like to put in their website then is there any extra charges to do so?
One of the important items to a client is the copyright or license ownership for the work already completed. In website design or website development, you might want to consider what files do the client receive and if their license allows you to reuse the design.
In the digital world today, intellectual property is one of your priceless assets to a company. It’s like selling and buying a trademark. So make sure you cover your bases before your next project or find out one morning with a letter stamped from a legal firm.