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Dávid Molnár
27,081 PointsWriting a contract, sending a contract as a Freelancer.
Hey everyone!
I'd like to start working as a freelancer but there's one particular thing that really scares me as a young web developer at the beginning of my career. I'd like to write a contract properly so I'll be protected.
Do you know any guide I can follow (video, documentation etc.), is there any trusted template I can use?
This is just the beginning. I'd like to start experiencing this career because I love the freedom it provides. I am aware a layer could help me a lot later I'll contact one for a more official solution when I earn enough money.
Sending the contract.
What are your experiences? What would be the best way to send the contract? I heard about "Hellosign", is it trustful?
When do I know I can start working? -When I sent the client my contract, he sent me his and we both signed them?(-yeah stupid question but must be asked) What if he doesn't wanna pay?
Being a successful freelancer is my dream, this "lifestyle" is one of the reasons I've been learning so hard since I satrted programming. Unfortunately I never had to maintain any buisness before. There are lots of questions and I'm kinda buffled. Every help is appreciated, thank you.
(I've seen the video on treehouse.)
1 Answer
Max Senden
23,177 PointsHi David,
It really depends on what kind of client you want to freelance for. If you want to freelance for webdesign studios you probably have nothing to worry about. They usually have standard-freelance contracts in place that have been approved by the tax office or chamber of commerce. Just make sure to always carefully read contracts that are handed over to you. Sometimes companies try to offer inexperienced freelancers scummy contracts that contain illegal clauses such as that you'll be fined x amount of money, if you don't respond to their mail in y amount of time.
However, if you want to work for e.g. local businesses, startups, shop owners, municipalities, and the like things become a bit more tricky. The one thing you have to do is to keep all business related communication in writing. It gives you something to fall back on if things ever turn sour. Secondly, be clear in your communication with the client and the expectations that you raise. Write clear project proposals (i.e. these contain a plan of approach, your work related activities, a planning, budget, travel expenses and, if there are any, the risks involved). Also make sure to ask your tax office for any other information your project proposals and invoices should contain (address, tax number, VAT number, etc).
As someone who has been freelancing for over a decade now I never had a problem with a that was not willing to pay. The biggest challenge for me was figuring out which clients I want to work with. That takes time, effort and making a few mistakes along the way.
Hope it helps, Max