When I first started freelancing, one thing I knew for sure was the importance of having a contract. I drafted one, had a few people (including a lawyer) look over it, and over the years I have rewrote it and added to it (I posted it way back in February). Whenever I get a new client, I will draft a proposal, and once that’s accepted, send over a contract. Most of the time this takes place online, as I’m dealing with people all over the world. Last week I went over a contract with someone in person, and kind of surprised myself.

Tags: clients, contract, documents, people, relationships, tips | Posted in Advice, Lessons, Stories | Comments Off

About two weeks ago I posed my question sheet for clients as a resource for thise who might find it useful. Today’s resouces comes from Smashing Magazine, who posted a list for 45 Lists and Questionnaires for web designers. They range from client focused stuff like the question sheet I posted to checklists about the design process. Definitely a set of resources that are helpful throughout the entire process of web design.

(link to post)Visit 45 Useful Lists & Questionnaires

Sometimes one of the hardest things to do is  gauge a new client. What do they do? Who is their audience? What kind of designs work best for their industry? Even before eliciting requierments for the website, it’s good to get to know the client by using some of these questions. About a year ago I came up with this question sheet to do just that. I ask for information about their business/organization, their basic needs for a website, and what they want from me. I also ask for and provide them with contact information. I’ve added it the Freelancing the Net Documents Folder. Feel free to use it for yourself!

(link to post)Visit Question Sheet

To add to the list of sample documents I’m providing, today I’ve added a contract template, as well as a sample contract. Just like the proposal, you’re free to modify and use it.

This contract is geared towards web development, so keep that in mind. Also make sure you go through and change any of the generalized stuff. If you haven’t already, also check out the read me file in the folder.

Finally, I’m not a lawyer. I’ve had a couple look this over, but it’s in no way comprehensive. It is suitable for my current operations. If you know someone who’s a lawyer and familiar with what you do, I’d ask them to read it over.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments!

(link to post)Visit Freelance Contract

You didn’t think all my resources would be other people’s stuff, did you? I wouldn’t be a very good freelancer if I didn’t give some stuff away for free. Today I’m providing a template I use when coming up with proposals for clients. I’ve generalized it and it’s ready for you to adapt and make your own. I’ve also provided a sample proposal so you can see how I use it (all company names, specs, prices are fictitious).

For furture reference, all documents I upload and make public will go in this folder. You’re free to use any of them free of charge. Though if someone asks, a reference would be nice

This (and most documents) are in a .doc format. If you need it in another format (Open Office, for example), let me know and I’ll convert it for you.

Finally, you might want to take some time to read the Read  Me file in the folder.

(link to post)Visit Freelance Proposal Template