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5 Reasons You Need a Contract
A contract is a legally binding, signed agreement that exists between two people. They are most often used in business ventures, in order to obtain goods or services. There are so many reasons to have a contract, and a freelancer is one of the people who should definitely be using them. Here are 5 reasons that you need a contract if you are in the freelancing business. 1. Getting Your Money Eventually, and unfortunately in the freelancing business, you're bound to get a bad client. There are clients who may pay half of your fee, and once they receive the work, you never hear from them again. Some freelancers don't expect to be paid until after the work is delivered. However, if you get a difficult or bad client, your work can be gone and used without you ever being paid. So, what do you do now? You've spent all of this time working only to be left without a leg to stand on. Contracts can help with this. If you have a contract that is signed by the client, you can obtain the money that the client owes you. A signed contract is legally binding, and if it comes down to it, it will stand up in court. 2. Conditions Depending on the job, there may be conditions for using the work that you provide to a client. Is there an agreement that the client can only use your written works, or designs for a specific period of time? Perhaps your name must be published with any works that you sell. Whatever the reason for the condition, having it in a contract will show that the client has read, understood and accepted the conditions of the services you offer. This is essential for freelancers who include conditions with their work. If you find out that a client is abusing a contract, or in breach of a contract, you have proof and credibility. 3. Changes Depending on the nature of your work, some clients want to make changes to work that you have done for them. However, some freelancers do not want their work to be altered in any way whatsoever. By having a contract, you are able to make sure that no work will be altered. The client will understand that the work must stay the way he or she received it from you, and they will sign their name to agree to that. If your work is important to you, and you do not want it to be altered, a contract is the way to go. Then, you are able to legally deal with changes in your work or other issues. 4. Samples If you want to use an excerpt from the writing, a screen shot from the website, or a verse of the song for samples, this is a good reason for a contract. The client will understand that you are going to be using the work as a sample to show to other prospective clients. If there is no contract, you could be in the wrong for using the work as samples. 5. Royalties If you will be earning money from royalties, and not just a one time fee, you will need a contract. This way, your earnings will be protected with a signature from the client. Often times, just the flat fee in the beginning is paid, but royalties are neglected. By having a contract, you can prove that the client agreed to pay you royalties, and that you are entitled to the money. These are just a few reasons that freelancers need to utilize contracts. They protect the freelancer, and the client. Most clients are appreciative of that. Don't neglect this crucial part of your business.
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