Let me ask you something: Do you feel protected in your business? Like, actually hold-up-in-a-court-of-law protected? Like, Elle Woods protected?
True story – I used to design my invoices and contracts in InDesign, export that contract as a PDF, email it to the client, have them sign, scan and send it back. My contract was pieced together from info I found across the internet, and truthfully, it was a hot mess and it scared clients off. And I don’t blame them.
Now that I’ve been running my business for 9 years, I have some much better practices in place like using The Contract Shop (where I get pre-written contracts) and Dubsado (how I send invoices and contracts).
ooof, that was painful to admit to you guys, I wish I could laugh about it since it’s in the past but there’s nothing funny about being unprotected and leaving yourself open to losing hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
If you’re not sure about whether contracts are worth the investment, here are 3 ways a sturdy contract can protect you:
1. When a client goes MIA
We’ve all had situations where the client could have been a little… clearer. But when a client just straight up ghosts you, what can you do? With a robust contract in place, you’ve collected the client’s address, permission to send them to collections, and you have all the resources you need to at the very least get paid even when the client has virtually disappeared.
2. For super late paying clients
Hands up if you’ve ever had an invoice paid late! 🙋 With a contract, you can clearly lay out your payment expectations right from the start so that your client pays on time, and if they don’t, you have the option to add on a late payment charge!
3. When a client feels ‘wronged’
Effective communication and a proper contract are great ways to avoid any of the above situations. But, sometimes, we run into a nightmare client. It’s reassuring to know that your contracts clearly lay out what you expect of clients, and when, so they can reference this at any time and deliver what is expected as needed. On the other hand, if you have a vague contract that leaves your clients guessing, they could feel neglected, left out, and maybe even fearful that you’re not taking care of them!
So now that we’re on the same page, a good contract is a MUST… lucky for you, The Contract Shop is running a sale where you can grab up to 40% off their products until Wednesday, May 30 (that’s tomorrow)!
This is the PERFECT chance to get yourself a contract that protects your business and, most importantly, Future You 🎉
Here are some of my top picks in the The Contract Shop store in the sale:
1. I personally use the Graphic Design Templates but they also have contracts in the 40% off sale for the following professions:
2. Turnkey Business Binder
For the first time ever, you can get your business organized, started and profitable in a matter of days, not months! This workbook is practically a done-for-you business plan that helps you create a roadmap for your business – a.k.a. the best gift you could give your biz!
Click here to grab the Turnkey Business Binder at 30% off!3. GDPR Compliant Terms & Conditions + Privacy Policy Bundle
Did you know that without a privacy policy, you could be breaking federal law? And if you don’t have one with GDPR provisions, you could be breaking an international law?! When you are transparent with your readers like this, it builds their trust in your website, opinions, products and services.
Save yourself hours of head scratching and staring at a blank Google Doc and grab yourself this T&Cs + Privacy Policy bundle.
I use this for my own website and it’s super easy to customize and add to your website or blog!
Click here to grab 40% off this bundle!If you have any questions about The Contract Shop or the best products for you, just email me and let me know! I’m here to help.
P.S. This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission for each sale made through my link at no extra cost to you.
P.P.S. This sale ends on Thursday May 30 at 11:59pm EST so make the most of it while you can!!
established 2010
Yes! A good contract and good communication are essential for any good business.
You’re completely right