How to Create a Freelancer Contract that Works for Both Parties

How to Create a Freelancer Contract that Works for Both Parties

Have you been starting a project with clients without drafting a contract? Do you know that you are risking your time to do this? I think you have to read this article to understand the word "Contract". The most important thing here is how you will be able to create the contract yourself and send it to your client. If you’re a freelancer whether a newbie or experienced one you need a smart way to get paid and easy access to your money without excessive fees.

As a freelancer, having a written contract with your clients is always helpful. A well-written contract provides the protection and security freelancers and clients need. It's a big mistake to start a freelance relationship without a contract, because a contract is in your best interests and the best interests of your client, and there are many advantages to getting this done. If you don't have an active contract for your freelance work, you should consider drafting one to avoid any misunderstanding between you and your client. A contract can help you build long-term relationships with clients, set expectations in advance, and lead to a higher level of satisfaction with project outcomes and client experiences. 

According to the 2019 Freelancing analysis in America report, freelancers earn an average of more than 70% of the country's workers per hour, contributing more than $1 trillion, or even 5% of the economy every year. How do you make sure that you are paid for the work you do after all this new and exciting news for freelancers? it is simple, you create a contract template. But how to draft a contract may be your next question. No need to be a lawyer to set up a legal contract that will be accepted by your client. There are some easy steps to follow that will protect both you and your clients. So let's see how to write a contract between two parties to create a win-win working relationship. Having a good agreement on a contract before starting any project is important as it enables both the freelancer and the employer to understand the scope of the project they are dealing with and how the freelancer will be paid. You should understand that a contract is not a thing you should play with because both the freelancer and the employer will be on the safer side if they get this done. Employers starting a contract with a freelancer without a valid contract always risk losses in terms of money, time, and some other unnecessary expenses.

Below are some steps you can take to create your freelance contract yourself:

  • Introduce the Parties Entering Into the Agreement
  • Define the Scope of the Project You Are Delivering
  • Changes and revisions
  • Refund policy
  • Communication method
  • Party signatures

Introduce the Parties Entering Into the Agreement

Firstly, list the names of the companies that are expected to sign the contract with you. If the agreement is between two companies, list the business names and create a space where the signatures of both parties will appear. If the agreement is between a business and an individual, include your company and the person to whom you are providing the service. The more details you include in the contract the better you get paid for your work. Without any reasonable introduction of work, you may experience scope creep which can lead to an increase in work within the project without any update in budget or payment.

Define the Scope of the Project You Are Delivering

In terms of your contract drafting checklist, the next thing to consider is the scope of the project. State clearly what the final product of the project will look like, listing the deliverables you will produce and the information you will require from your client with expected deadlines. A clear definition of the scope of the project is important so that both parties have agreed on a specified deadline for the project. For example, if you're a content writer, you can include the word count (1000-2000) words, images used, and keywords provided.

Changes and revisions

Being a freelancer working on your own doesn't mean you should neglect the revised work of your clients. Whether you're a writer, graphic designer, or web developer, revision is a must-do if your client is not satisfied with your work, and trust me this is part of your project. Some questions must be included when creating this section: you can analyze the rate you will charge for editing the work or the constitutes of rounds you accept.

  • Will there be unlimited edits until the customer is satisfied?
  • Do you want to set the maximum of revision? If yes, how many will it be? Also how much are you going to pay for revising your work?

Refund policy

We can negotiate contracts with the best intentions, but sometimes things don't go the way we expected and one or both parties wish to terminate the contract. Refunds are given when the client has already made a payment in advance and decides to cancel the project, or when they are unhappy with the work. The latter can be resolved with a few changes or edits, but if the client refuses to accept changes and has already paid, you may have to refund. This should be made clear in the contract, as to how the refund is processed and the fees associated with it.

Communication method

As a freelancer, everyone knows that we are always available depending on the availability of each freelancer's choice whether as a full-time or part-time freelancer. This makes some clients think that freelancers are always available 24/7. However, while drafting this contract, you need to make it clear to your clients how often they should message you to avoid surprise messages at off hours demanding you to be active on the platform you both choose. Let the client know the contact method you preferred for communication method to limit cases of app fatigue.

Party signatures

For both parties to have a standardized policy, you should both agree on signing a contract. It's important both you and the client sign the document before starting any project with the client to avoid any insults and misunderstanding.

In conclusion, there's no doubt about having your freelance contract done again right? If you're still doubting the value you are going to gain through creating a contract for both parties, I think you will find this article more useful. UpMyChain is still accepting both employers and freelancers to create an account on the website. I can assure you that you will enjoy doing transactions on this platform. Just sign up.

Easy Answers

1. Introduce the Parties Entering Into the Agreement

2. Define the Scope of the Project You Are Delivering

3. Changes and revisions

4. Refund policy

5. Communication method

6. Party signatures

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