Comments on: biz ladies 09: contract law (do’s, don’ts, and more…)

By: AV

AV — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:20:53 +0000

May I suggest “spend a little up front”, there are alot of unemployed great lawyers right now and could use even the small consultancies (cheap!), to set yourself up w/ some basic documents to run your daily services business. Have a lawyer build you a few templates for the type of work you do–and if you sell anything online, have them also draft a ‘Privacy Policy” to cover yourself online for using or transmitting personal/financial data (and be sure to post it there.) You have all the documents when you start, take them into the meeting or every job w/ you–less stress/tension when you start out w/ it all in writing. Also, know a few firms/attorneys names you’ll use if you run into difficulties– don’t begin researching when you need them. You maybe can’t afford a retainer to keep them in your pocket year-round, but I have a hard time thinking of any lawyer not wanting to be called upon when you need them. They are trying to build a client-base as well.:-)

By: lindsay

lindsay — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:44:00 +0000

Great topic! I’m in the process of negotiating my first licensing contract and boy could I’ve used some help! I consulted the Graphic Artist’s Guild Pricing & Ethical Guidelines Handbook, as a source of contract knowledge. I stood my ground on the terms, as I definetly felt like the company was hoping I didn’t know much and would just sign the contract as is. As buyers are flocking to Etsy to find new talent this is an area so many artists could use advice in…I’m definetly looking forward to future posts!

By: kristen davis

kristen davis — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:32:23 +0000

ohhhh this is the stuff i hate, but need so much! thanks for posting.

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:53:30 +0000

It can be risky to work without a written contract but sometimes trying to read or write one is so daunting that I just want to run the other way. Thanks for the breakdown. I look forward to more great info in the rest of the series.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:46:02 +0000

Back in the days when I was a freelance graphic designer it was all about the contract. The organization I was a member of had this monster sized contract. It actually scared away some potential clients, but then again they probably would have been trouble anyways.

By: deanna

deanna — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:10:42 +0000

As always, this is great information. Thank you! I love the Biz Ladies and I look forward to Tuesdays.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:14:05 +0000

I wish I’d known these things when I started. Especially, the oral contract part! :( Anyhow, this is a great intro to contracts for any new business owner. Thanks so much for the post. Great idea!