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Topic: Contracts for freelancers
| Author | Message |
| wineaux | Posted – 5/21/2008 3:44:09 PM | show profile I am about to start the task of re-formulating my contract that I use for long-term clients (white paper work). I usually adjust them to fit each individual's needs, but one area I wish to remain the same: payment. My biggest concern with my contract is stipulating that payment be timely. What is a sufficient time-frame for payment upon completed per-project work? As of late I have been asking that payment be recieved within two weeks of completion, with a little leway depending on the pay schedule of each company. I know freelancers who as for a certain amount of payment before the project starts, but I'd rather wait until they see my finished product, as I usually have repeat business by being a little flexible in that area. My last client took their own sweet time paying me, despite the contract, and now I wonder if I should have structured in a late fee. If you are in the habit of doing this, what is an acceptable percentage? And, if you don't do this, what are your reservations? Have you used a lawyer to draft your contract? I am friends with an attorney who is also a writer, and I know he'd willingly be of assistance, should I ask. I am thinking I'll draft the contract to the best of my ability and then have him look it over to be sure I've covered all my bases. Any positive input would be greatly appreciated. |
| WordyBird | Posted – 5/22/2008 2:28:45 AM | show profile Not to hijack your thread, but there's some helpful discussion about this in the thread, "How long does it take to succeed at freelancing?" |
| wineaux | Posted – 5/22/2008 10:34:03 AM | show profile Thanks Wordy...I'll check that out. |
| eriksherman | Posted – 5/24/2008 5:48:36 PM | show profile | email poster Why wait for the whole amount? Breaking payment in to two or three phases is normal for corporate work, so you reduce your exposure. I often (though not always) include a late fee clause for corporate clients, though including and getting can be two different things. there are legal limits, depending on the state you're in, on how much you can charge for late fees. I also give clients a fixed time - maybe five or ten days - before a draft I submit is automatically accepted if the don't get back with comments. That avoids the "Gee, we're sitting on it and not paying you" problem. ------ Free writer resources: http://www.eriksherman.com/WriterBiz |
