The short answer
Most web projects go wrong on scope: one more page, one more round of changes, content that never arrives. Put the pages, the features, the number of revision rounds, who supplies content, and when ownership passes in a signed agreement before you start.
What to agree before the job
- Pages and features in scope, and what's out of scope
- How many rounds of revisions are included, and the rate for more
- Who supplies text, images and logins, and by when
- Hosting, domains and third-party costs: who pays and whose name they're in
- When ownership of the design, and any custom code you write, passes to the client (often on final payment)
- Payment stages, such as a deposit, a payment at design sign-off, and the rest at launch
- Support after launch, and whether ongoing maintenance is a separate monthly arrangement
Which AgreeVia documents fit
- Freelance Services Agreement: the services, the fee (fixed, daily or hourly), intellectual property and confidentiality. For a private client it adds the 14-day right to cancel. Free
- Agency Retainer Agreement: the same services every month for a fixed monthly fee, with notice to end and an optional minimum term. Pro
- Mutual NDA: if you'll both share confidential information before the work starts. Free
- Deposit invoice: ask for a percentage up front, and get it confirmed with a signature before you start
- Invoice: bill the finished job, with the VAT worked out to the penny and your bank details on it
How it works
- Fill it in on your phoneAnswer a few plain questions, or type the items into a quote. You see a preview before anything is created.
- Add who signsPick them from your contacts, or type their email address and AgreeVia sends them a link.
- They sign without an accountThey open it in their browser, read it and sign with a finger. No app to install.
- Everyone keeps a copyThe signed PDF goes to everyone. Every view and signature is in a tamper-evident audit trail you can check at agreevia.co.uk/verify.
Proof, if there's a dispute
Every view and signature is recorded with a time stamp in a tamper-evident audit trail. If someone remembers the deal differently, you have the signed document, a record of when they opened and signed it, and an evidence package you can generate. AgreeVia doesn't give legal advice, and it doesn't take payments: your bank details go on the invoice and your customer pays you directly.
FAQs for web designers
Who owns the website when it's done?
Whatever you agree. The Freelance Services Agreement has an intellectual property section, so set out when ownership passes before you start, not when the invoice is late.
I write custom software, not just websites. Is there a page for me?
Yes: contracts for freelance software developers covers acceptance testing, bug-fix periods, open-source licences and code ownership.
Can I put clients on a monthly care plan?
Yes. The Agency Retainer Agreement (Pro) covers the same services every month for a fixed monthly fee, with notice to end.
Does my customer need to download anything?
No. They get a link, open it in their phone or computer's browser, and sign. They don't need an account or the app, and they get the signed PDF by email.
Is an electronic signature legally valid in the UK?
For everyday business documents like quotes, job agreements and invoices, yes, as long as the person meant to sign. Some documents, such as wills and some deeds, have stricter rules. See Are electronic signatures legal in the UK?
Try it on your next job
Free for 3 documents a month, no card needed. Already have an account? Sign in. AgreeVia works in your browser and is live on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.