Blog Archive

Web Design Contracts - revisited

Well, and here I thought, we had it all covered.

It's funny that the ONLY clients where we've ever ran into issues, were lawyers. Imagine this, if you will. Client contacts us, we go over the what's and how's of their impending project, agree on terms and a price, sign contract, collect the  50% non-refundable deposit, present a first or even first and second draft... and then....

nothing. No content from the client - nada. We call, we send emails, we nag. Still nothing. In this recent case, it took TWO years and the project being handed over to someone new (at the client's end) for things to get rolling. Now, in these two years, the client's requirements have changed a little - so has technology, for that matter. While I was rather hesitant recommending content management for an important website 2 years ago (mainly because of difficulties being properly indexed by search engines), I can now do so with confidence. And, it fits the client's new requirements. So, I provide a new quote. Based on last year's rates - to cut them a break. And guess what? They argue that this is what they thought they were getting anyways and they want their deposit back. Nowhere, ever, was there a mention of content management, dynamic site, or the likes. Neither verbally nor in any of the email correspondence. As for the deposit - the contract states it is a non-refundable deposit. So does the invoice.

My point? I've learned a while back (thanks to another lawyer) that we need to put a cap on time between contract signed and website content/materials received from the client. But now, it looks like we will really have to spell out HOW this website is going to be built. Language (programming language) and how this website can be maintained (additional software required if it isn't CMS, html skills, etc.).

I'm not impressed. Seriously, I always end up giving more to a project than I should (or than I have agreed to, I should say). But, I will NOT have the rules changed and then work for nothing. Guess, this turned into a rant, huh?