Angels

Hi Everyone

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to post this question-if not, my apologies. This is concerning contracts, and has several parts to it.

1) Of those who use contracts for web design work, did you just do that from the start, or did you get burned first (like me) before you thought it might be in your best interest to develop one?

2) Have you found using a contract to be beneficial?

3) What is the general reaction of your clients when presented with a contract?

4) How did you develop your contract?

Of those of you who do not use a contract

1) Do you think you might in the future

2) Have you ever been burned by a client and wished you'd had a contract?

It's a lot of questions, I know. Anyone who can tell me about your experiences regarding contracts, I would really appreciate it!

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Angel's Affordable Web Design

Angels

Jeez...nobody...?

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Angel's Affordable Web Design

Bisje

Hi there,

I think all depends of the scale of work you have to provide.
The question not only applies to webdesign, but for all kind of services you have to provide to a "customer"
Let's be honest : If you're working for your living, you are not working for peanuts. You're then talking about larger projects with serious amounts of money. Not a 10 bucks for a link exchange but larger amounts.
If this is the case it is always better to have something on paper. It doesn't have to be a contract, but at least you need enough "things" on paper to prove you worked for somebody.
If all has be discussed by phone or in face to face discussions...you have nothing to prove your work if you ever have to go to court.

1 little remark : if you have a large project, you can try to work with milestones. A payment after each achievement. That way, you will rapidly discover if your customer is willing to pay for your job.

But in general : Yes a contract (a little piece op paper or even an email where both sides agrees with the definition of the to do work and the payment for it) is always good.

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messa

Agreed,

It will only take one bad experience where having a contract would have really helped and you'll use one every time after that.
Save the trouble and start now.

I don't use them for legal reasons but just so that both parties know exactly how things are going to happen.

Regards,

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kokopelli

All depends on the circumstances and amount involved but, in general, I advise to get a contract signed. Just makes it much easier if both parties are clear on their obligations and rights.

The contract can be a one-page job, doesn't have to be any longer than that unless you're talking big bucks and maybe dealing with a company.