Your clients are not all the same, neither in thinking nor in interaction style. Therefore, it’s crucial for both you and them to clarify things from the very beginning. Let’s imagine it as a “clear agreement” for both parties that you send before starting the work, “after agreeing on the payment and timeline, or simultaneously.” The client reads it carefully and thoroughly, and their agreement to it means the work can begin.
I’ve written and revised the terms of this agreement several times, formatting it multiple times to suit the widest possible range of clients. Sometimes I add or remove certain terms depending on the client’s type and thinking pattern, which I deduce “or rather predict” before the agreement, and sometimes from their very first message. But in general, this is the standard version of the agreement I use with clients.
I’ve divided the agreement into four sections, each containing four clear, straightforward, and understandable terms, with a note at the beginning advising the client to read carefully and seriously. It also states that these terms are non-negotiable. Don’t worry about the term “non-negotiable” or the agreement itself, and don’t worry about scaring off the client. These terms are suitable for serious, enthusiastic clients who appreciate your time and effort. These are exactly the type of clients you need to continue in your profession, being as creative as you should be. So, let’s start with the terms of the agreement:
Terms and Conditions of the Service Agreement
The lines below outline the terms and conditions of the work agreement. Please read them carefully and thoroughly. Note that these terms are non-negotiable, and starting the work indicates your full agreement to them.
Before Starting the Work:
1. The work begins, and the timeline becomes effective immediately after receiving at least half of the payment.
2. The payment, once received, is non-refundable under any circumstances.
3. The client is not entitled to request imitation or replication of any design or trademark “or any part of it.”
4. The designer commits to providing only the agreed-upon number of concepts.
During the Work:
5. The timeline set for the work is an estimate; it may increase or decrease depending on the nature of the work.
6. A limited number of revisions can be requested based on the type and scope of the work “ranging from X to X revisions at most.”
7. Revisions cannot be fundamental “such as completely changing the concept or style.”
8. Additional concepts can only be requested after paying an additional fee determined by the designer.
Upon Completion:
9. The designer commits to sending the work in its source formats “ai-eps-psd-jpg-png” immediately after receiving the remaining payment.
10. The designer is committed to preserving the work’s rights and not using any part of it with any other client.
11. The designer reserves the right to use any additional concepts “not chosen by the client” with another party.
12. The designer has the right to showcase the work on their website and attribute the design rights to themselves.
Side Conditions:
13. The only means of communication is via email, and we are not obligated to use any other communication method.
14. If the client does not communicate with the designer for a period exceeding 30 days without justification, the payment will be retained, and the work will not be completed.
15. No modifications or additions can be requested after 7 days from the delivery of the work or beyond the agreed number of revisions.
16. The designer’s credit link “on websites” cannot be removed, nor can the work be attributed to another person or entity after completion.
Note to the Reader
Dear Reader: These terms may not suit you at all, and you may find some of them either obvious or strange. These terms vary from person to person depending on their thinking and interaction style. But in short, this is the general outline of the agreement, which you can rebuild to suit your needs or borrow from according to what matters to you.