The agreement.
WHAT TO AGREE IN WRITING
The scope The price and payment schedule The timescale What each party provides Who owns what How changes are handled What happens if either party ends it
WHY IN WRITING
Memory, not distrust.
Months later neither party recalls what was said.
HOW FORMAL
Proportionate. For small work, an email confirming the terms is sufficient.
For substantial work, a proper agreement.
WHAT TO TAKE ADVICE ON
Anything substantial, or any recurring arrangement.
WHAT TO NEVER SKIP
The scope and the exclusions The payment terms
WHAT THE DEPOSIT DOES
Confirms commitment.
A client unwilling to pay one is a warning.
WHEN TO START WORK
After terms are agreed and the deposit is received.
Not before.
WHAT THAT PREVENTS
Substantial unpaid work for someone who disappears.
