As a freelancer, it is always good to have a written contract with your clients. A well-written contract provides the protection and security that both freelancers and clients need. A contract can help you build trust with clients, set expectations up front, and achieve greater satisfaction with project outcomes and client experience. If you don't have a contract for your freelance work, you should consider creating one.
The following tips have proven helpful to other freelancers, but, as always, this is not legal advice and you may want to have a lawyer review all contracts and legal documents to make sure they protect your best interests and are legally enforceable.
Why freelancers should have a contract?
Starting a freelancing relationship without a contract is a mistake. Having a contract is best for you and your client, and it has many advantages. A contract is an agreement that legally binds two or more parties. Contracts allow you to specify what is being done, how much it is worth, and the responsibilities of each party. Here are some of the reasons to have a contract as a freelancer:
- It reduces disagreements or misunderstandings and outlines how to handle them if they arise.
- Both parties acknowledge and agree in advance on payment, time and deliverables.
- It legally binds the parties to the terms of the contract.
- A contract can protect both parties, including the contractor.
Problems faced by freelancers without a contract
If you are a freelancer you may already know that having a contract is essential. However, many people say they don't need one because they've never had a problem. Unfortunately, most freelancers don't even think about getting a contract until they encounter problems. Regardless of their past experiences, freelancers can face many problems from not having a contract, such as:
- Lack of payment
- Unlimited and overextended projects
- No way to enforce compliance
- Additional legal ramifications and liability
- Long and unnecessary legal battles
If you don't know how to start creating contracts, you can start by using Crema. Creating gigs takes you step-by-step to stipulate how the work will be done and what is charged. All for your well-being, and that of your client, so that these professional ties are long-lasting.
