Below Terms Are How I Do Business With My Clients
OK serious stuff! I've written this agreement in straightforward language, as I believe business terms should be accessible and free from excessive legal jargon. Despite the simplified language, these provisions carry full legal weight. Any disputes arising from these business terms fall exclusively under the authority and jurisdiction of the courts of England.
Proposal Process and Project Start
For most projects, I provide short proposals and cost estimates free of charge.
For bigger or more complex projects that need in-depth planning, a detailed proposal may be billable.
Larger projects usually get a formal proposal document, while smaller tasks may be outlined in an email.
I need your approval before starting any work. Once confirmed, I’ll schedule the project and finalise the timeline with you. Deadlines in proposals are only confirmed after you’ve formally approved them.
Project Framework
Projects usually happen in two main steps:
- Planning & Strategy: First, I research, analyse, and develop ideas to create a clear content plan for websites, emails, or other digital platforms.
- Content Creation: Then, I write and produce materials based on that plan.
For smaller or simpler projects, I might skip the detailed planning stage and go straight to writing. No matter the project size, we always start with an informal chat to understand your needs and find the best approach. My process is flexible, offering tailored advice and adjusting each project to fit your specific goals
Financial Terms and Payment Structure
My proposal will outline the project cost using one of these pricing options:
- A fixed fee for the entire project
- A breakdown of costs for each part of the project
- An hourly or daily rate
If we go with a fixed price, the proposal must clearly define the scope of work.
For first-time clients, I may ask for an upfront payment of up to 50% of the estimated cost. Work will begin only after I receive this payment.
At the end of the project, I’ll send an invoice for the remaining balance (or the full amount if no advance payment was needed).
Invoices are due within 30 days. Prompt payment is always appreciated and helps keep things running smoothly.
Scope Modifications
Changes to the project scope often mean extra work.
If the scope of a fixed-price project changes, I may need to adjust the fee. If this happens, I’ll keep you updated and discuss any cost implications with you in advance.
I’m committed to working with you to ensure clarity and help manage costs effectively.
Scope changes usually happen when clients:
- Restructure their website, such as reorganising the site map or adding new pages.
- Make major updates to the way products or services are positioned, described, or function.
Timeline Commitments
At the start of the project, we’ll agree on a timeline—either a single deadline or a set of key milestones. These will usually be outlined in the project proposal.
We’ll set a specific date for the first draft, and additional deadlines for revisions can be arranged as needed.
I’m committed to meeting all agreed deadlines, but I can’t be responsible for delays caused by late payments, missing materials, or delayed feedback from the client.
Deadlines may also be affected by unavoidable events like illness, family emergencies, natural disasters, or other major disruptions.
Work Delivery Methods
I strive to provide completed work in whatever format best suits your requirements. The most commonly requested delivery formats include:
Microsoft Word documents
Google Drive files
PDF documents
Simple text files
When appropriate for the project, I am open to working directly within your website management system or content management platform.
For projects involving complex page layouts or screen designs, I will supply annotated screenshots accompanied by detailed placement instructions to ensure clarity regarding the intended positioning of each text element on the page.
Amendments and Revision Process
Clients often request changes to the first draft, which is a natural part of the creative process.
For fixed-fee projects, I include:
- A complete initial draft
- Up to two rounds of revisions, if needed
This revision policy applies until you formally approve the work, publish it, or use it on your website, app, or product.
For projects billed by time, I’ll make all requested edits and charge based on the agreed hourly or daily rate for the actual time spent on revisions.
Intellectual Property Rights
Once the final payment is received, you gain full copyright ownership of the content, with unrestricted usage rights.
Until then, copyright remains with me.
I also retain the right to display and reference the completed project in my professional portfolio.
Project Termination
If you cancel a project after work has started, any advance payment will be non-refundable.
Depending on how much work has already been completed, you may need to pay a cancellation fee to cover the time and services provided.
This fee will be based on the percentage of the project completed at the time of cancellation.
Liabilities and Limitations
I take great care to ensure accuracy in my work and avoid copyright or legal violations.
However, I’m not responsible for any financial losses, complaints, legal claims, or other damages resulting from a project.
Any advice I provide is given in good faith, but I can't be held liable for decisions made based on my recommendations.
If any part of these business terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the rest of the terms will still apply.
You cannot transfer or assign your agreement with me to someone else without my explicit consent.