Freelance contract details

[aj_nsc]

I'm getting ready to start work on a website for a client. We haven't banged out all the details yet, just the fact that I am the web designer he has chosen to work on his site.

I really don't want to end up getting screwed with this stuff and doing way more work than I have to for the amount of money that I will charge. Does anyone have any basic things I should know about creating a contract?

This is a pretty cheap freelance job so lawyer stuff is not an option, but if any of you freelancers have any pointers out there on what I need to do in terms of a contract with the client, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[KDLA]

What I do is charge by phases.

Phase 1 - Initial Consultation (one fee)
[This helped me get something out of it, if the client decided to back-out before or during the beginning of the design phase.]
Phase 2 - Development & Implementation (hourly fee)
[I sometimes charge by the job if I can get a client that way -- somehow a blanket sum seems to be more appetizing than the hourly fee. I also throw in one or two "free" on-site consultations, which really is me coming to the client with my laptop and showing him/her in person. They really like that. Plus, you'll get a lot more feedback from person-to-person interaction, rather than email.]
Phase 3 - Maintenance and Support (hourly fee)
[Make sure to charge by the hour, or "maintenance" can become "redesign," "content writing," or just about anything. The hourly "unknown" will keep them from taking advantage of you.]

Another thing I recommend is to document your assignments/hours and send them to the client. Use the language they give you as the description.
They say "Please update the company contact information...."
You document "Updating company contact information - .5 hr = $$$$"
If you just invoice them without a detailed explanation, that gives them the leeway to question the work and possibly short you on payment.

Good Luck -
KDLA

[tmikiciuk]

Just to add to the above reply...
I would also suggest immediately after the first consultation writing a flow chart to document each detail concerning the whole concept creation/design process. This creates a visual perspective of how long each step takes as well as displaying the whole process to a client that knows very little about how much work is involved. It is a great way to backup your project payment requirements which causes the client to say "Ohhhh thaaat's why it costs so much." It's just a great communication tool, letting the flowchart speak for you.

[ss1289]

What's the usual/average hourly rate?
I'm assuming it varies depending on the developers experience.

[KDLA]

What's the usual/average hourly rate?
I'm assuming it varies depending on the developers experience.
You cannot discuss pricing within this forum. :rolleyes:

[TJ111]

I charge about two fiddy.

What! Woman don't go given no web developer no two fiddy!

[aheittman]

What a web developer can include in a freelance contract/consulting services agreement (Note: discuss all this with your lawyer):
Description of Services, including how to order services (what constitutes a task order, such as date requested, description of work, specific deliverables & requirements, delivery dates & times, rates, not to exceed price, etc.), change control and cancellation of an order, completion & acceptance (including tacit acceptance), etc.
Payment and Invoicing Terms, including fees and any variations thereof, discounts, maximum rate, reimbursable costs, frequency of invoices, credits & refunds, terms, finance charges, how to dispute an invoice, etc.
Standard of Care
Liability & Remedy
And the rest of the fun legal stuff, like governing law, copyright, residuals, notices, severability, force majeure, effective date, etc.You may also want to get a non-disclosure agreement in place.