Has a Client Ever Taken Advantage of You?

Entrepreneurialism

Nov 27

Has a client ever taken advantage of you?

If you’re a website designer or graphic designer, it could look like:
• Projects dragging on
• Never-ending revisions
• Late payments

If you’re a photographer, wedding professional, or in an appointment-related industry, it could look like:
• Multiple date changes
• Going over time
• Late appearances/no shows
• Late payments

Or if you’re a maker or own a retail store, it could look like:
• Delivering the product but waiting months to receive payment (again with the late payments)!

Having contracts and policies in place communicates expectations with your clients/customers while setting boundaries for you.

Even if you’re not in an industry above, you may need to set payment terms, cancellation policies, refund policies, etc. And if you have a website, you need a privacy policy and terms & conditions page. Have employees? That’s even more policies.

The story of my contract

Since starting my business over 10 years ago, I’ve required clients to sign a contract.

The contract I used was a modified version of the 2–3 page template I swiped from a marketing company I previously worked for.

It was actually a proposal and became a contract once the desired services were marked with an “x” and the signature and date lines were completed.

That contract served me well for many years, with a few frustrations like projects taking longer than expected because my client didn’t provide timely feedback or asked for multiple revisions.

Until one website design client almost caused me to end my business.

My original contract didn’t mention late fees or how many hours of updates were included with the project. (It also didn’t put a timeline on projects, so I had many that took months longer than they should have.)

This client changed her vision partway through the design process, wanted a branding update, and asked for multiple changes throughout. Some page sections were redesigned 2–3 times.

And none of that extra time was paid for.

Finally I had enough and purchased the website design contract template from The Legal Paige. And my contract went from 3 to 8 pages!

Since implementing my new contract, I’ve still had clients ask for multiple rounds of revisions — but they’re now charged beyond what’s included in the contract.

My contract template noted a timeline of when the work would be complete, including deadlines for me to send first looks and clients to send feedback. The template also specified fees that would be paid if the project went over time due to client delay.

I felt like that was a little overkill and omitted it for the first few months. I was being paid for additional revisions, so why does it matter if a project is done by a certain time?

Because in order to be fully focused on the next project, that must be the only project I’m working on.

At one point I was working on four websites, each at varying stages. It was too much to keep track of, and so I added the timeline back into my contract. (You can gain a sense of it and my other contract policies here.)

Now I feel more confident when sending my contracts — and so much relief — because boundaries are in place and the contract clearly defines how I operate. It protects both me and my clients.

But aren’t contracts expensive to make?

It can be overwhelming — and expensive — to draw up a contract which is why I went with an online contract template. They’re less pricey and easy to update.

I found The Legal Paige whose templates focus on creative entrepreneurs like me.

Paige offers multiple templates based on industry (wedding photographer, online course creator, interior designer, etc.) and product type (employee handbooks, NDAs, and website privacy policy templates).

Each template includes notes to clarify legal jargon and explain your options with verbiage.

(Psst! She’s having a 40% off sale for Black Friday. Valid now through 12/2/2024. Plus, save an additional $10 with code MEGB10.)

Take the initiative and build the business you know you’re capable of. Having a solid contract is the #1 solution to alleviate the headaches and heartbreak that come with working with clients AND potential legal woes.

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Just getting started in business and looking for a roadmap? Check out my Begin Your Business online course. We’ll cover everything from pricing to forming an LLC, assembling your team to getting your first clients, and everything in between.

Been around the business block and looking to grow? My Self-Employed School online course provides a deep dive on topics including website SEO and design, e-newsletters, social media, public relations, and more. It all culminates in creating an easy and effective marketing strategy for your business.

Beep, beep! I’m a proud affiliate of The Legal Paige. Read my affiliate disclosure here.