Can anyone provide an example of a business contract for a freelancer?
I am a freelance graphic designer, starting out, and would like help constructing a legally binding contract for me to present to potential clients. I am not sure how to do this or that I can even do this without a lawyer! Thanks in advance!
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Jul 25, 2014
I've been using a standard work for hire agreement that is available in templates on Microsoft Office. If you are set up on any of the freelance websites like Elance, ODesk and GURU samples are provided. Hope that helps a little at least?!
Jul 14, 2014
Hello Liz,
Most of company use customized NDA or Contract document because every client has different terms of business so prepare draft not work in that case. so you need to discuss SOW and draft document according to that.
Thanks
Peter
Jul 10, 2014
I'm not certain where you are located because that can typically affect the structure of any contract. But, in general I think it is important to set up any contract by which you will get paid done by a lawyer. Generic contracts on Legal Zoom or another legal document website are available. But, they are so boiler plated that you might not utilize one that best fits your needs. Especially since you are in an "artist" type of industry where creativity is important and you are protecting your work product.
I hope that helps.
Sincerely,
Russell Kornblut
Jul 9, 2014
any formal contract is available online,
just search for it,
beside my biggest tip for you regarding any kind of future contract or agreement is to call a competitor or a good rule model and see exectly how they are working, what kind of demandeds and costs, time frames and any other questions that comes in your mind- there is always some one to learn from :)
Jul 9, 2014
Hi Liz,
I see many of your questions are about what you can attain for free. Let me say that going into a business is not free. You don't work for free do you? Why would you expect anyone else to do so. Secondly, you need the best advisors to get off the ground. They are an investment that makes sense. If you are looking to get everything done on a shoestring, possibly it might make sense to stay employed elsewhere until you build up your resources so you stand a better chance of survival.
Jul 10, 2014
Michael,
I'll start this by saying that I agree with everything you've said, but quite frankly I'm a bit confused with where you actually stand on the "free" aspect. On another post that I participated in about someone desiring free logos, you said they could just "Google search 'Free Logos'".
http://www.mosaichub.com/open_forum/question/although-im-creative-im-spending-most-of-my-time-s?s=relq
Jul 10, 2014
Chris,
The reason many of the experts offer some guidance is to attain business. A paragrapgh or two of guidance does not fulfill the requirements needed by many of those that ask questions. What you are seeing are generalizations. It is the ultimate responsibility of the one asking the questions to ascertain and do their due diligence in order to decide whether to hire an expert. Please note that all experts who are professional advisors have a liability as well as the responsibility to deliver a very comprehensive study and advice. So, at the end of the day anyone asking questions should not have an expectation that the answers they receive are the end all. Lot's of work has to be invested in advising a client correctly. Those that use this as a free answering service are very short sighted in their thinking. Certainly many of the questions are very basic and often the answer can be found by a Google Search. Then there are those that really do require a professional.
Jul 10, 2014
Michael, As a professional advisor, I'm aware of all of what you have mentioned. I'm more inquiring about the fact that for someone who professes in investing in the right professional consultations and services, you would also suggest someone grab free branding solutions rather than get a real designer or creative agency. Speaking as someone who specializes in said profession, you basically just offered a highly inadequate and ill-advised solution that would end up costing that particular person more money and more headache in the end. So again, I'm confused as to where you stand with the "free" aspect. Are you saying that creative solutions aren't worth more than a simple Google search, and then everything else actually requires "real" people?
Jul 10, 2014
So my questions are short sided. I'm sorry for even asking the question, I thought that was the entire point of this community. Experts helping experts. I'll stop asking them if that's what you mean. So I basically need a lot of money to start a business, I knew that, and your right. I'll just wait till I have enough money to do anything. Sorry for the short sided question and I'll stop asking them.
Jul 11, 2014
Hi Liz and Chris, I tried to respond but out of space. Please note that Liz, you are not shortsighted. I would be happy to help you on my dime at any time. Be well. You have my contact info.
Jul 11, 2014
Thanks, but no thanks. I've ordered the book Christopher recommended and will use that to create my contract and guide my freelancing career.
I'd love to take your advice about sticking to my day job, but because I m unemployed, it's hard to do so. That's why I was trying to get my freelancing off the ground in the first place, I'm broke. But that might be ending since Northrop Grumman is interested in me for a Senior Graphic Design position in Washington, D.C. Maybe that will give me the capital to hire all the professionals I need and I can stop asking for hand outs and free advice.
Jul 11, 2014
Sounds great. Northrup is also hiring many in Melbourne Florida, just outside of Orlando as well. Good luck to you.
Jul 9, 2014
Wow, thanks everyone! I'll definitely check out the references posted. Much much much appreciated. I have no idea where to begin, so this is all so helpful.
Jul 9, 2014
In addition to the fine examples & advice of others, consider:
-> an agreement need not scare off clients (length, tone, etc.) in order to protect you, your client or both;
-> appropriate terms - particularly the non-core provisions - may well vary according to needs, strategy, relationship, etc.;
-> many client requests/demands can be anticipated; and
-> consulting with a suitable Attorney that is aware of your particular concerns, market/client factors, strategy and so on is prudent.
Jul 9, 2014
Liz: I completely agree with Laura and Joel. Do not attempt to do your own legal work. The purpose of having a contract is to protect you and your business if there is a dispute. Paying an experienced business attorney a reasonable fee to do that for you will save you lots of headaches and, most likely, a lot of money in the future. No templete will cover your specific needs. If you cannot afford a business attorney, you cannot afford to start your business. Feel free to contact me directly if you want to discuss this further.
Jul 9, 2014
It should cost you no more than $1,500 to get a very good customer contract from an experienced business lawyer that is designed specifically for your business in the state where you are operating. It's a small investment for a big return. If you DIY, it may go great or it may go badly but you will be at risk.
Jul 9, 2014
Dear Liz,
If you’re drafting a document that you plan to use as your core agreement, you need to make sure that all of your rights are protected, including your proprietary information. The best way to adequately ensure that your goal is achieved is to have counsel draft, or at least review the agreement.
Jul 9, 2014
Here is what I found online (me trying to start web development freelance)
a contract builder: https://www.freelancersunion.org/contract-creator/
and a few samples: http://www.freelanceadvisor.co.uk/go-freelance-guide/contracts-what-should-you-include/
Jul 9, 2014
I have a template that I use. I had it reviewed by my attorney. He says that it provides adequate protection. Several things to consider.
1. The laws of your state regarding sever ability - clauses that can not be enforced legally are automatically removed - If you are determined not to use a lawyer, this area may still leave you a bit exposed.
2. Be specific regarding exclusivity and non-compete. Do not cripple your own business because you have agreed to be exclusive or they over extend what or who may be considered direct competition. Make sure any term discussed therein is specific.
I am NOT A LAWYER. No information provided herein should be considered legal advice. I will give you the blank template free of charge. If you want my template, email me through Mosaic Hub.
Jul 9, 2014
Hey Liz!
You're definitely thinking the right steps. A lack of a contract is one of the big problems that many freelancers face. There are plenty of sites that have examples of such items. I'd highly suggest looking up HOW Design, as they have numerous resources for freelancers and business owners. In addition to that, I'd recommend the book, “A Graphic Design Student’s Guide To Freelance” by Ben Hannam. It comes with a CD that has every type of form a freelancer could need; from contracts and proposal forms, to time sheets and invoices.
Hope this helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to message me.
I guess I thought this site was for people who have expertise in a field to lend their expertise to others in different fields. I didn't think people charged for that on here. And I am not trying to build a business. I don't intend on hiring anyone. It's just me. And I'm unemployed so I don't have the money to invest in anything right now. I don't expect anyone to work for free, although I do it a lot. And I don't mind it at all. All I wanted was some pointers on where others made contracts and what I should put in it or if they had examples online I could see. I didn't ask for anyone to write one for me, just some advice. Thanks for the insight, I will definitely hire a lawyer when I find a full time job to expand my freelancing.