February 01, 2023 by Clawdia
Mistakes Freelancers and Their Clients Make and How to Avoid Them
Tell me, are you guilty of making these common legal mistakes?Â
Don't worry, we've all been there.Â
But it's important to know that these mistakes can cost you big time.Â
Â
As a lawyer for 10 years working with hundreds of freelancers over the years (before founding Clawdia),I have seen firsthand the importance of avoiding these common legal mistakes.
So let's dive in and learn how to avoid them.Â
- Making verbal or written commitments in non-formal communications
It's easy to make promises or commitments in casual conversations, emails, or chat messages.
It can lead to misunderstandings and disputes, and more importantly, verbal communication can be binding.
To avoid this, make sure to put all agreements and commitments in a formal written contract.
This can ensure that both parties are clear on the terms and conditions. - Not specifying the scope of services
Let’s take an example - a video editor freelancer. Imagine a scenario where the client is expecting a fully-animated explainer video, but all the freelancer agreed to provide was a simple voiceover.
Without clear communication and expectations, you could be in for a surprise (and a lot of extra work!).
By clearly outlining the scope of services you're willing to provide,
you'll avoid any confusion and ensure that both you and your client are on the same page. - Agreeing to be paid after work
This can put you in a tough spot if the client decides not to pay or is consistently late with payments. This can result in you having to chase clients for payment and can cause financial strain.
To avoid this, agree on a payment schedule before starting any work, such as a deposit upfront and the remaining balance upon completion.
Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Make sure to have a valid contract outlining the details of the project.
Including payment, the scope of services, and deadlines.
This will provide legal protection in case of any disputes.
Â
With Clawdia, you can easily create your legally binding contracts in minutes!Â
By Vardit Legali, CEO at Clawdia
Related Posts
Do you send emojis on WhatsApp? It could become a binding contract :-(
2023-08-31
In our current era, where most business communications are woven through unofficial messages via various communication means like emails, WhatsApp, etc. - these modes of communication can legally bind us.
Read more
Don’t Start Negotiating before You Read This!
2023-03-01
In a negotiation, would you rather: 1. Wait to get an offer from your counterpart? Or 2. Be the first to make an offer? Read here the surprising answer…
Read more
Naming Matters: How to Research Product Names and Avoid Disputes
2023-01-24
Choosing the right name for your business is critical to its success and avoiding trademark disputes. Learn how to research and select a strong, conflict-free trademark that protects your brand.
Read more