Website Design Contracts

best place to buy?

[DXL]

So far, I've been doing design work without contracts, pretty much on a handshake. I've told prospective clients that I can draw up a contract at their discretion, the most any of them have asked for is just an email or hard copy of something outlining the exact development of the site.

I'm starting to realize that a contract is probably the best way to protect myself as well as put the client at ease, though. What is the best place (best meaning least expensive) to order web design contracts? I'm honestly not sure if most designers write what they will offer with a timeline on a tri-color document and give the client a copy, or if they print something out. I wasn't involved with sales at this other firm, so I don't know exactly how they did it.

Is it best to have some custom printed with your mailing address and business name? Feel free to make any recommendations, I'm open to new ideas.

[fathom]

Well yes - custom adds credibility and preceived professionalism, however, for ease of use if you can print yourself just create a template.

Common info

1. Upper left > company name or simply your name and independent beneath it

2. Upper right > civic or business address, all contact info phone, fax, toll free, email and website

3. Page center > Proposal/Contract title area

4. Page center below title > client name/business civic or business address, all contact info phone, fax, toll free, email and website

5. bottom center > disclaimer, confidentality, discloser limitations and copyright

6. logo > normally upper left with company name but can also be a watermark

all pages of document should have footer > noting "confidental" and often a company tag line e.g. for Microsoft > Were do you want to go today.