Whats the least paying job you would spend time having a legal contract written up for? basically what "X" amount of dollars would it be worth spending the money for a contract to be written up for the job?

You really should get a contract for anything - but you don't have to pay for it, up to a certain level a simply-typed but carefully-worded statement signed by both parties would be sufficient for, say, (small claims) court. Any reoccurring payment is more important. I'd suggest that a simple contract is necessary when dealing with amounts over 100$ (£50), and a sliding scale upwards.

^You had to add the monetary equivelent for the Pound...

poor dollar.




Get a contract if you are going to be working for someone, or doing a time sensitive job. I would have one for anything over 500$ (approx 240£ ), but really for anything that you want protected. Unfortunately a lot of "contracts" don't hold up in court so you should get an attorney to write it at least, which is why I suggest 500$ (1£ in the year 2030).

I am British, and it wasn't so long ago you could get 4$ for the £. Most people, if they are messing you about, will see you waiving whatever they've signed and fall into line, particularly with the threat of legal action.

sounds decent. But at what point would you have a professionally writen contract?

Originally Posted by TreyeMe

sounds decent. But at what point would you have a professionally writen contract?

If you have a lot of "if/thens" - get a contract. Otherwise if you get everything in writing - design concepts, prices, "hidden fees" (annual maintenance, update fees, etc) and time frame - get them all jotted down - if it's a simple enough solution, get a signature and date it - maybe a witness if you want to be very paranoid - and you should be fine.

I'm not a lawyer though, so take it with a grain of salt - I have however customized my own contract from http://www.blarneystone.com/designbusiness/index.htm

It is a great book and talks about this very topic. He provides (or at least did) a copy of his contract for tweaking.

That's where I started - and it has helped me out so far.

Perfect Thanks!

Originally Posted by TreyeMe

Perfect Thanks!

No problem, let me know how it works out! - oh, here is a direct link to the contract page: http://www.blarneystone.com/designbusiness/notes.htm

Get a contract.

Every thing is a contract for us. Since we are a real business. It called covering your assets.