basic contract

[r_mc_gowan]

after searching through previous threads, gathered alot of helpful info regarding pricing methods and contract info.

 

im now looking for a sample of a basic contract to provide to clients.

i figure contract use atall is annoying, but also is professional and a method of covering your back incase of bad clients

 

can anyone provide me with a basic contract sample or a link to one??

 

thanks

 

rich

[mbowers]

Rich,

 

The best way to design a contract would be as follows..

 

1. Aknowledge this is a contract of services between you (the designer) and your client.(usually named)

 

2. State the scope of the work to be completed. ie..rendering, drawings, vizualization, branding...etc. be specific as possible. Make sure this is very clear about what you are doing.

 

3. State terms of completion..time to be executed by or by an hourly rate.."not to exceed 45 hours" for instance, or will take 1 month.

 

4. State terms of payment...hourly basis, flat rate, or if you use a sliding scale.

 

5. State terms of deliverables...how you plan to hand it over...ie file, actual printing, third party production...etc.

 

6. Close the agreement by CYA "covering your ass" ie..any late changes made will result in additional fee, changing your mind won't get you out of not paying..etc... i can't count the number of times i burned the late-nite oil for a week and the client saw my bill and freaked. Sign the contract first as an aknowledgment that you feel it's legit, fair and complete. They may negotiate the terms, be firm but at the same time be fair. I've had to "donate" about $1200 in services over the course of my first year doing work, just to get my name out. Its a pain but it works.

 

Hope this helps..

[r_mc_gowan]

thanks mbowers, good info. i was actually for more detailed info aswell, even a sample of a contract.

 

need to know how to make a contract legal aswell.

 

thanks,

 

rich

[Jeff Mottle]

Have you read David Wright's Articles?

 

Budgets, contracts, how to estimate our work. PART 1

http://www.cgarchitect.com/upclose/article2_DW.asp

 

Budgets, contracts, how to estimate our work. PART 2

http://www.cgarchitect.com/upclose/article3_DW.asp

[r_mc_gowan]

yeah, read through all of them carefully. tried to get in contact with him actually, but no luck. nobody can help me with a basic contract template?