Contracts over the web?

[philjohns]

Ok, hands up, Ive asked this question before....but I never seem to got an answer...

Ive got a job offer of designing a website for someone and I want a contract to avoid any hassle that I have had with previous clients

If I use a contract will I have to post the contract to the client, ask them to sign it, have it post back and then sign it myself or is there a way that this can be done over the internet?

Could someone also point me into the right direction of a very simple web design contract...

Thanks in advance,

Phil

[Mack]

send them a PDF of the contract, requesting either a.) digital signature and emailed back or b.) signed and faxed (if you have a fax)

If your sending the Contract and having them sign it, i wouldn't imagine you would need to sign the contract since you wrote it up.

[philjohns]

Could I email the client the contract, have him sign it and post it back to me where I sign it?

[Mack]

Well if your determined to not only have Him sign it, but you too after the fact... You could always get him onto a google account and use Shared Google Docs. ?

Why do you think you need to sign the contract after he does? is this a UK thing?

[philjohns]

Not a UK thing...or atleast I dont think...I could sign it before if thats better....

Im new to this and need to some advice on the easiest and quickest way for him to sign the contract that I draw up...

The reason I said I'de sign it last is becuase I would send him the digital file to print off and sign....

How would you/others do something like this?

[Mack]

well ive seen it a few ways for various things.

Sales guy meets with client, sells him, they both fill out the contract... cause our sales guys ussually make some kind of concession on the cost, so they have to sign off on the change to the standard contract.

Design approvals, we send a approval out, they sign off and fax it back.

we send out a contract, client signs it and sends it back.

[glebe digital]

Originally Posted by philjohns

How would you/others do something like this?

Phil, I just wouldn't........only in exceptional circumstances, such as when the job in question requires you to outsource substantial costs [and both parties want these covered and agreed legally beforehand].......or, you are working under an NDA and in which case the agreement provides cover for both parties.

If it's a first-time client [and they're a small Co. or individual] then I just request 40% up-front and the balance on completion..........everything else is covered by requesting the client view my 'terms and conditions of work' as displayed on my webpage.

Seriously, you're going to scare off a lot of potential work by demanding this approach........also -as I'm sure you know- some projects have a V fast turnaround, and those you'll definately lose because of this 'contract lag'.

So.......pick your clients well, research them thoroughly before you begin and if in doubt, either request a % start-fee or simply just walk away.

Best,
Stu

[Mack]

or go that route, money up front always helps work out any issues.

I dont have that luxury as the clients we have in the company i work for pay monthly.. so we need contracts.

[glebe digital]

Originally Posted by Mack

the clients we have in the company i work for pay monthly.. so we need contracts.

In those circumstances it's essential, yes........but of course, that's a whole different ballgame to freelancers being commissioned on a per-project basis [which I assume is Phil's position?].

Best,
Stu

[philjohns]

Yes, that is my position, been talking to the client and I think Ive got it sorted,

Thanks everyone!