c/freelance-contracts

Got burned on a project in Austin because my contract didn't cover scope creep

I was doing web design for a small brewery there, and the owner kept adding 'just one more small page' every week. After the third addition, I checked my agreement and realized I only had a vague line about 'deliverables' with no limit. I ended up doing almost 40 extra hours of work I couldn't bill for. How do you guys write your clauses to stop this from happening?

A designer in Austin told me my contract's 'kill fee' was too low at 10%.

They said it didn't cover the lost time if a project got canceled late, so I bumped it to 25% for jobs booked over a month out. Has anyone else had to change their cancellation terms after getting pushback?

Can we talk about a clause I saw in a contract template about 'killing fees'?

I was looking at a contract template from a freelance writer's group, and it had a section for a 'kill fee' of 25% if the client cancels the project after the work is started but before final delivery. I'd never seen that spelled out before (I usually just have a deposit). It made me think about how to handle mid-project cancellations fairly, especially for work that can't be resold. Do you think a 25% fee is standard, or is that too low for something like a half-finished website design? How do you all handle this in your own contracts?

Put a revision cap in my freelance contracts. Best move ever.

Noticed clients always tweaking things non-stop. Added a clause for three revisions max. Last month, a client asked for number four. Pointed to the contract. They paid for the extra round. Felt solid.

After what seemed like forever, my work contract is FINALLY signed

I had this client who needed a lot of changes to the work terms. We emailed for weeks, and it felt like it would never stop. I started to think it would never happen, but I kept pushing gently. Today, they sent the signed copy. I am SO relieved. This whole thing showed me that staying patient really works.

Finally seeing the benefit of a late payment clause in my contracts

I read about adding late payment fees on a blog and updated my template. A client was late with their invoice last month, so the fee automatically added to what they owed. They paid the full amount without any fuss, which saved me from sending reminders. It's a small change that really helps with cash flow.

From my side, deposits just invite trouble

Everyone pushes for cash upfront to stay safe, but it sets a bad tone from the start. I had a client pay a chunk first and then they nagged me over every choice. Now I send bills as tasks finish and it keeps things much simpler.

Adding a kill fee to my organizing contracts really helped

I used to think kill fees were too harsh for home organizing jobs. After a client canceled last minute and I lost money, I added them to all my contracts. Do you use kill fees for small home projects?

Hot take: A kill fee in every agreement is non-negotiable, though some call it hostile...

I adopted this after a nightmare client... On the other hand, peers say it harms relationships. Thoughts?

Question about a freelance contract with my cousin for her bakery site

My cousin just started a bakery and asked me to design her website. I want to help, but I'm concerned about setting payment terms and revision limits in the contract. Any advice on handling freelance work for family members?

I finally started putting payment milestones in my contracts after a chat with my brother

He told me about a job where the client vanished halfway through and he lost a lot of money. Now I break payments into chunks so I don't get left hanging.

Hot take: A quick talk with my cousin for a freelance gig worked better than any written agreement.

Showerthought: Seeing how often gigs get vague on duties after the handshake, I now slap a bullet-point list of exact tasks in every contract. Stops the 'just one more thing' chats cold.

Hurt my wrist and saw my freelance contract had no plan for injury

I sprained my wrist badly from working too much. My contract did not cover what happens if I get hurt. This meant no pay and a tough talk with the person hiring me. Now I make sure to add clear terms for health issues. What steps do you take in your contracts for things like this?

Best approach for drafting bulletproof MSA agreements?

As my agency scales, I'm finding my old generic contracts aren't cutting it anymore. I'm looking at using LegalZoom versus hiring a dedicated local attorney to draft a custom Master Services Agreement. What is the consensus here?