| As a freelancer, you have to handle things that | | | | contracts are going to look the same and include the |
| individuals working with companies wouldn't have to | | | | same elements. With a digital signature, your clients |
| think about. The freelance contract is one of them. It's | | | | and you can sign the contract without worrying about |
| essential that you protect yourself - especially if you | | | | traditional things like a notary or attorneys. The |
| work online. It's too easy for someone to take the | | | | contract (so long as everything is correct on it) is |
| work you've done, and leave you high and dry without | | | | binding and legal when it contains digital signatures. |
| payment. A contract helps protect you and your work. | | | | What if a Client Doesn't Want to Bother with a |
| Benefits of the Freelance Contract | | | | Contract? |
| Should you even use a contract? If you're working, | | | | If a client stresses over signing a contract or acts as if |
| you should use a contract, period. Most people you | | | | it's really no big deal, you have to ask yourself why. In |
| come into contact with aren't going to try to get one | | | | this age, it can literally take 30 seconds to sign a |
| over on you, but using a contract can protect you | | | | contract. It's not as stressful as it once was. If a client |
| from that one in a million who wants a free ride. A | | | | doesn't want to bother with signing a contract, there |
| contract can also ensure that both parties understand | | | | must be some reason. Does he or she plan on getting |
| each other - and the kind of work that has to be done, | | | | more out of you than what you had originally planned? |
| when it will end, and the price involved. Contracts can | | | | Do they intend to neglect payment after receiving the |
| really prevent misunderstandings and other issues in a | | | | project? A contract is very important, so if a client |
| working relationship. | | | | doesn't want to sign, perhaps waiting for the next client |
| Is it Legal if You Draft it Yourself? | | | | to come along is the best idea. |
| While you might want to have an attorney look over | | | | By utilizing contracts in your working relationships, you |
| your contract just to be on the safe side, there are | | | | can protect both parties and ensure that the |
| thousands of websites offering free contracts and | | | | relationship is a positive one that will yield positive |
| information to freelancers. Most of the standard | | | | results. |