Forum Moderators: LifeinAsia
So far, I've just been using a web development proposal that I've drafted which, if signed by myself and the client, serves as a contract. These proposals basically lay out the scope of the project, exactly what I'm going to do, payment milestones etc. Not really legally binding at all, and not very sophisticated.
The sites that I've done to date have been pretty small - primarily mom and pop stuff - and from a monetary standpoint, relatively low risk (although, considering my ever-uncertain financial status - and a wife and three kids to support - any dollar lost from a non-paying client would equate to a huge personal risk). But, if I start hunting bigger game, I don't want to come off as unsophisticated or a "sucker" when it comes to my paperwork.
I've Googled "web development contracts" and there are a lot of links - but mostly to pay packages which require a credit card to download.
My problem is that I'm living in the Philippines on an absolute shoe-string and don't have a credit card.
Does anyone have a basic contract - that they are willing to share - which I can use as a basis for my work and clientele?
Or a web link that someone can sticky me where I can download a free template or solid, example contract?
Appreciate any and all input,
Neophyte
Try to Google all over the place for contract sample etc...
There are many sample forms available
I do not have one handy but a few years ago I used one of those, then asked a lawyer to come with a costumed one.
Try to barter web services for contract draft?
Good luck
One of the joys of the global market in services like webdev is that you can get good service at a very cost-effective rate. The downside of these relationships is that it's very difficult to take legal action to enforce contracts in the same way you can with a supplier in your home country.
It's much better to structure payments in a way that ensures virtuous conduct on all sides - with a reasonably small up-front deposit, regular staged payments, a reasonably large final payment, and a promise of reliable ongoing business where service stays good, quick and attentive.
Structuring it like this means that the other party loses heavily if they mess you about.
And to my mind that works the other way around - if you're a developer, and your client is late paying under that structure, all you need do is stop work until the bill is paid. With small, regular payments, your immediate financial loss is small.
