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First Sale & Contract Considerations?

by sgtsavvy
12 replies
Hey guys looks like hard work will be paying off with my first couple sales!

Not going to count my eggs before they hatch, because i just drew up the contracts and sent them out, and i know that it aint over till the fat lady signs the contract.

But i took tidbits from a sample template and created my own template to work with and modify as time goes on and i learn more and more.

Are there any tips or things you've learned that you can share about your processes after the prospect is ready and says OK send over the contract...

1. Things to include in the contract

2. Notes for the process and things to keep in mind

Also, do you have the client sign the contract and then send the invoice, or send the contract and the invoice at the same time?

attention to detail, discipline is key.
#considerations #contract #sale
  • Profile picture of the author grey38
    I would like to know any wisdom here as well. This is a kind of shady zone.
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  • Profile picture of the author somacorellc
    The way I do it:

    -Client says let's go - I explain that I'm going to send a contract plus an invoice for half the cost up front.

    -I go back to office and use docusign.net to send a contract out.

    -I log on to freshbooks and create an invoice for the entire amount, and make half payable now.

    -When the client signs online and then pays the first half I start my work.


    My contract is broken into several parts, I'll try to list roughly what they say:

    -My name, the name of the client

    -I'm doing X work for X amount of money

    -I guarantee I'm able to do this work, and the client guarantees they're able to hire for the work to be done.

    -I say the work will be done in a timely manner as long as the client provides all the resources to make that happen.

    -I retain the right to hire a third party to complete some or all portions of the work.

    -Payment terms, I get paid half up front and half on completion.

    -Late fees, you're late ten days after invoice goes out. If it goes past 30 I sue you.

    -Client can't hold me liable for anything that happens to their company as a result of the work I'm doing.

    -Client agrees they're over 18.

    -I can put my company's name and link on anything I produce for them.

    -If Client cancels the project I keep the half up front money.

    -I won't disclose any confidential information about client to anyone unless directed by them to do so, in writing.


    I think that's about it, and should give you some pointers for your contract.
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    Web Design Columbia SC
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    • Profile picture of the author grey38
      Great blueprint. This helps me out immensely. Regarding the actual signing of the contract. Can I just print the contract, and fax it or personally bring the contract to the client and sign it with them?
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      • Profile picture of the author sgtsavvy
        have heard good things about freshbooks, will look into docusign.

        thanks.
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      • Profile picture of the author somacorellc
        Originally Posted by grey38 View Post

        Great blueprint. This helps me out immensely. Regarding the actual signing of the contract. Can I just print the contract, and fax it or personally bring the contract to the client and sign it with them?
        As long as you have a contract signed by both you and the client, you're golden. What I do with my docusign.net clients is have the contract sent to me first - I sign it and then it automatically gets sent to the client.
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        Web Design Columbia SC
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    • Profile picture of the author Rocket Media
      Originally Posted by somacorellc View Post

      The way I do it:

      -Client says let's go - I explain that I'm going to send a contract plus an invoice for half the cost up front.

      -I go back to office and use docusign.net to send a contract out.

      -I log on to freshbooks and create an invoice for the entire amount, and make half payable now.

      -When the client signs online and then pays the first half I start my work.


      My contract is broken into several parts, I'll try to list roughly what they say:

      -My name, the name of the client

      -I'm doing X work for X amount of money

      -I guarantee I'm able to do this work, and the client guarantees they're able to hire for the work to be done.

      -I say the work will be done in a timely manner as long as the client provides all the resources to make that happen.

      -I retain the right to hire a third party to complete some or all portions of the work.

      -Payment terms, I get paid half up front and half on completion.

      -Late fees, you're late ten days after invoice goes out. If it goes past 30 I sue you.

      -Client can't hold me liable for anything that happens to their company as a result of the work I'm doing.

      -Client agrees they're over 18.

      -I can put my company's name and link on anything I produce for them.

      -If Client cancels the project I keep the half up front money.

      -I won't disclose any confidential information about client to anyone unless directed by them to do so, in writing.


      I think that's about it, and should give you some pointers for your contract.
      Bitchin' contract advice.

      Does freshbooks work as a payment gateway?
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      • Profile picture of the author somacorellc
        Thanks!

        Freshbooks needs a third party to process the payments. It'll hook into Paypal, Authorize.net, among others.

        I personally use authorize.net for its versatility for online/offline transactions and it works with freshbooks quite well. FB is free for three clients so check it out!

        The reason I do everything online is I can accept a client request from anywhere in the world and be able to quickly and easily handle contracts and payments.

        Originally Posted by Rocket Media View Post

        Bitchin' contract advice.

        Does freshbooks work as a payment gateway?
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        Web Design Columbia SC
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  • Profile picture of the author ShawnPeter
    Congrats to you Sgtsavvy.
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  • Profile picture of the author GailTrahd
    Question about the contract criteria @somacorellc - why do you put in the right to retain a 3rd party to complete some or all of the work? I haven't done that before - haven't thought about adding that tidbit.

    THANKS!

    Gail
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    • Profile picture of the author somacorellc
      This is only so if I outsource I don't have to 'pretend' like I'm doing all the work myself. I can say my team is working on it without fear of violating the contract and the client getting upset.

      For example, I outsource citation building because it's a time sink and I hate it. With my contract, I can.

      Originally Posted by GailTrahd View Post

      Question about the contract criteria @somacorellc - why do you put in the right to retain a 3rd party to complete some or all of the work? I haven't done that before - haven't thought about adding that tidbit.

      THANKS!

      Gail
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      Web Design Columbia SC
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      • Profile picture of the author Chuck Austin
        Mikes' Advice is spot on. We never worry about the outsource issue. When people ask we tell them about outsourced professionals we use.

        As Mike said, we use the "Team" description. Actually the outsourced professionals are the Team. It's really a mindset and just a small contractual detail if needed.

        It's always best to consult an attorney or legal professional regarding final contracts. They just might utilize your services.
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  • Profile picture of the author mindykoch
    I hadn't heard of docusign. Great tip!!
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