Business Question – Forms / Contract?

Question by cyber_geek: Business Question – Forms / Contract?
i have recently sort of started my own business. my friend does the same sort of thing that i do – web design, graphic design, photoslideshows, the normal geek things lol. several times he has done the work requested and has not been paid despite promises even from close friends, and has been taked to court due to complaints or issues he supposedly has not issued. my ? is – since i dont want this to happen to me, court and nonpayments and argueing, is it stupid to create a “form” addressing the basics, agreeing on payments and the details of the projects, basically serving as a contract? also, this would be sort of records for me, and of course i would make 2 copies, 1 for me, and 1 for the customer. i would really appreciate input on this. thnx so much.

Best answer:

Answer by imisidro
No, it is not stupid at all. In fact, you need a contract. It is IMPORTANT to have a contract — even if you are working with your close friends. As experienced by your friend, having no contract will leave you open to lawsuits and other hassles that you don’t want.

I’ve worked with several web designers, and the first thing we do before any work is done is to review and sign the contract. You can stipulate whether you need to be paid a certain percentage before starting any work; or if the contract amount is small, be paid after delivery of the product. But everything always starts with a contract.

Here are some sample contracts for web designers that you can look at. Modify them as you see fit:

Sample Contract and other papers http://www.orion-hitek.com/ContractWeb.htm
Gallantry web design http://www.gallantrywebdesign.com/contract.html
BrainStorm MultiMedia – Web Design Contract http://www.brainstorm-multimedia.com/contract.php
Web Design Contract Terms http://www.net-sites.com/contract.htm

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