Contracts? I don’t need no stinkin’ contracts!

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trust is nice, but agreements are better

Part of the series Tips for Wannabe Pro Web Designers

Trust is vital between web designers and clients. However, professionals protect their clients’ interests and their own interests. A clear agreement does both.

Hang out where there are lots of web designers, and it’s a short wait before the Nightmare Client stories start. The designer created the site, but the project was canceled at the last minute. The designer came up with a logo concept, but the client found someone else to produce the finished work for half the price. The company went under or the client simply stopped responding to calls and emails when the bill comes due.

There are plenty of Nightmare Designer stories as well! The designer made promise after promise that s/he couldn’t deliver. The designer disappeared without a trace when the site was half done. The designer gave a quote but ended up charging twice as much for the completed site. The pages were simply ugly, slow to load, and/or didn’t work properly.

A clear, comprehensive agreement can spell it all out for you, including what happens if something goes awry. You can specify copyright issues (since the designer holds copyright unless specifically transferred to the client), payment terms, and how to cancel the project.

Whether it’s a full contract or a simple email laying out the specifics, the details need to be clearly articulated and it needs to be in writing. By clearly stating what is and is not included in the fees, you avoid awkward misunderstandings. A well-informed client is more likely to be a happy client!