Webmaster BUSINESS Masters Course
After you send the proposal, call your prospective client to tell him that it is on its way. Offer to go over it when it arrives so that any questions can be cleared up quickly. If you don’t get a call in a day or so, follow up with another phone call to verify that the proposal was received and to answer any questions. 8) Contract Whereas, the party of the first part, hereafter known as The Party Of The First Part, shall agree to enter into agreement, hereafter known as The Agreement, with the party of the second part, hereafter known as The Party Of The Second Part…
What does it all mean? Why is it so confusing? As a designer, you speak one language (HTML, CSS, Search Engine positioning, etc.). Lawyers speak a different language. They don’t have to learn yours, but because you are the party of the first part (or is it the second part?) and you will be issuing contracts, you should learn to understand theirs. So let’s start with some contract basics… A contract is a signed, legally binding agreement between you and your client. It defines your responsibilities (design), the client’s responsibilities (payment), and the requirements and limitations of the job. As a professional designer, you will have a standard contract. It will have a large section of “standard legal stuff” where you fill in the blanks (your name, client’s name, etc.). It will also include a place where you will insert the specifics of the job from the proposal. Here is some sample information that should be in the “standard legal stuff” section of your contract… a) Who’s who… Your name and client’s name, or the names of your businesses b) Responsibilities of both parties… What services you are going to provide (Web site design, Search Engine submission, graphic design, etc.) What your client will provide so that you can complete your task (graphics/photos, information, etc.) and what your client will pay you for your services.
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