Remember that everything is negotiable. I’ve never signed a standard contract without reviewing it first. Clients often present their “boilerplate” agreements, expecting you to sign without question. I never have. They might claim that their legal team has meticulously vetted it, and that everyone else signs, but I approach it differently.
I read every contract thoroughly to ensure it aligns with what we’ve agreed upon. Does it clearly outline the services I’m providing? Am I protected against unforeseen circumstances? You’d be surprised how many clauses demand that you return to fix issues without specifying the criteria or timeline. Clarity is crucial; everything should be explicitly stated and limited to the contract’s duration, as you likely won’t be available for follow-ups after moving on to another client.
During negotiations, it’s vital to clearly define the services you offer. Ensure that what you provide, along with the fees and timelines, is documented in the contract’s schedule of services. This clarity helps prevent scope creep. If a client attempts to impose additional work not agreed upon upfront, you can reference the signed contract to negotiate any extras.
When dealing with sensitive information, I typically require a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect both parties.
However, despite thorough negotiations and careful wording, some clients still breach contracts. I’ve encountered situations where clients terminate without notice because their client has stopped paying, expecting me to absorb the loss. In such cases, I usually walk away, knowing I can find work elsewhere to mitigate potential losses. If a client insists I perform tasks outside our agreement, I politely refuse and suggest renegotiating for any additional work.
The key is to remain professional and courteous, even if the client does not.