There's a really cool website, you may have heard of it, it's called Google. The web address is www.google.com. This website is really amazing - you can type in words like "sample web design contract" and get thousands of results back.
You can find just about anything; If you've never tried it, you really should!
Seriously, who has ever thought of freelancing, starting a design/graphics/etc. business or will likely end up in management in such a setting should buy this book. NOW.
Among other helpful tidbits they do point out that a mutually signed "letter of agreement" is typically just as legally binding as a full-blown legalese contract.
Hi! It takes different strategy to approach individual client and close the deal which mean sign up the contract. I write contact all the time and most of the time they all different. For instance we had a client local Credit Union because of specific government regulations it took more work from our part to come up with a right contract which satisfied both side. Contact was reviewed by Credit Union lawyer and revision several times before they singed it.
I have a full-time job, so most of the clients I seek tend to be "smaller" organizations. I have noticed (through much trial and error) that my client base tends to like shorter documents; one pagers. I have a standard that I've stuck too, feel free to use it if you find it helpful. I am sure some people will disagree with my approach, but it has gotten me a lot of business -- so, I consider it successful.
Thanks Martin. I found your contract to be quite helpful. In case the client needs a more complete description I can always make reference to a detailed view over the three stages of the project.