A contract set up requires various components that you must consider. A savvy business owner knows that establishing an agreement is important in terms of getting paid in a timely fashion. A contact that’s well-structured will cover many issues, and it will keep you safeguarded in the event of a disagreement within a business relationship. While an agreement does not guarantee your invoice will be honored, it can give you better legal safeguards if the client does not pay the invoice.

You may need to draft an agreement at any time when services, goods, or anything of value can be exchanged. All types of business relationships operate on agreements, and entities that are involved may include the following:

  • Organizations
  • Corporations
  • Small businesses
  • Non-profit groups
  • Individuals

As a business owner, you may have a certain need for a business agreement in the event of:

  • Franchising
  • Hiring a servicer or contractor
  • Accepting work as a freelancer or contractor
  • Renting or selling a home, or any other real estate
  • Entering a joint venture or partnership

Keep in mind that you should include important topics in a contract if it suits your interests as a business owner. Take note of the following starting points when structuring your agreement:

  • Vital deadlines
  • Rules for revisions
  • Termination provisions
  • Release information and intellectual rights

Agreement Provisions

All business endeavors are unique, so you should contact an attorney to pin down certain aspects of the agreement to ensure that it’s legitimate in the eyes of a judge. You should also ensure that the agreements contain essential information, such as what you require of a client, any goods or services that you will deliver, and if you need to deliver anything at a certain time.

For instance, if you offer digital services, you must determine the length of an e-book or other media, including the numbers or any other details. If you’re a landscape designer, you must note the number of plants you would deliver and if the client gets to retain them.

Interior designers may determine which rooms get an overhaul, including the number of furniture alternatives that would be offered. From there, establish a deadline for the finished product, but also note the necessary milestones throughout the process to keep team members on the right path. In addition, don’t ignore delivery dates that a client needs to offer, such as the following:

  • Brand guides
  • Samples
  • Documents

Additional Contract Provision

Despite your best efforts, you may not reach a goal or work on certain products in enough time. If you’re a provider who gets asked to commence changes, the portion of the agreement would note how many revisions would be necessary in the original scale of the work and how you would handle additional requirements when necessary. After, confirm your primary contact method, and ensure you have the client’s contact information so you can stay in touch with them regularly. You should also get information on other team members involved, or anyone who will oversee and review the project.

Note how much notice that either party would need to offer if someone decides to suspend the work. Doing so protects all parties because it prevents leaving a client behind and offers that person enough time to find another provider if you no longer work for that person. Also, it protects your income, so they do not disappear without proper notice.

Important Questions

Overall, you should ask yourself the following questions when drafting payment terms for an agreement:

  • Would you refuse future shipments until proper payment is rendered?
  • Would you take a product back?
  • Would you charge any interest?
  • What occurs if you do not get paid on time?
  • How swiftly do you need payment to make sure you have sufficient working capital and cash flow?
  • Would you deduct an overdue balance from any future orders?

A payment term clause can be simple or complex, based on your needs and interests. You should record a payment section in a way that assures you get paid according to the terms. You should also be clear about the necessary steps in case you are not getting paid according to the contract.

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