You’re a freelancer, and you don’t have a contract? (Eek!)

An astonishing and growing number of people worldwide are freelancing. But freelancers often fall into the trap of thinking they don’t need a contract. You work for yourself and trust your clients to pay for their work, right? But this kind of thinking can lead to problems down the line. In this blog post, we explore why having a contract is crucial for freelancers and what type of contract they should have.

A contract is essential because it outlines the terms and conditions of the work needed, and it’s a legally binding agreement between two parties. By having a freelance contract in place, you and your client will be on the same page regarding what you’ll be doing, how much you’ll get paid, and when you’ll get paid.
 
Here are a few reasons why you should have a freelance contract:
 

Clarify expectations and scope of work

One of the most important reasons to have a contract is to clarify expectations and the scope of work. It outlines the services you will provide, the timeline for completion, and the payment terms. It ensures both you and the client understand the work planned and the expectations of each party. Having the project scope will also help you manage your time effectively and prevent misunderstandings and disagreements with your client.
 

Protect your rights and interests.

A contract protects your rights and interests as a freelancer. It outlines the terms and conditions of the project, including payment terms, intellectual property ownership, and confidentiality agreements. It also protects you if a dispute arises by outlining the procedures for resolving conflicts or terminating the contract. You can ensure that you get paid for your work and that your intellectual property is protected by having a freelance agreement. 
 

Establish a professional relationship.

Having a contract establishes a working relationship between you and your client. It shows that you are a professional and you take your work seriously. It also helps to establish trust between the two of you and demonstrates that you are committed to providing quality work, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling your obligations.
 

Avoid misunderstandings and disputes.

Misunderstandings and disputes can be costly and time-consuming for you and your client. By having a contract, you can avoid misunderstandings and disagreements by clarifying expectations and outlining the terms and conditions of the project. A contract provides a clear roadmap for the project, making it easier for both parties to manage expectations and work together effectively.
 

Ensure timely payment

One of the most important aspects of freelancing is getting paid. A contract ensures timely payment by outlining the payment terms and conditions. It establishes the payment schedule, the method, and the consequences of late payment. By having a contract, you can ensure that you get paid for your work and get paid on time.
 
Now onto what a freelance contract should include:

• The date you’re entering into the contract.
• Who are you working for? You need that contact information!
• The scope of work to complete and what you will provide the client at the end.
• The payment terms and how much is needed in advance. Include when the payment is due and what happens if the terms aren’t met.
• When is your deadline, and how many revisions are needed/included before submitting a final product?
• Who owns any intellectual property resulting from the project, or how it’s shared? (This only applies to some cases)

If you are a freelancer without a contract, you should work with your client to establish one. It’s crucial to the success of your freelance business as it clarifies expectations, defines the scope of work, prevents misunderstandings and disputes, and ensures timely payment. A contract safeguards you and your business and sets the groundwork for a successful and profitable freelance career.
 
Now that I know that you’re interested in learning more about running a freelance or solo business, I want to invite you to join other successful freelancers and solopreneurs subscribed to the Time To Grow Newsletter.