How do I create client agreements?
Define scope of work, payment terms (with deposit), timeline, revisions, IP ownership, confidentiality, and termination. Use an AI contract tool like iContract to generate a professional client agreement customized to your industry and jurisdiction in 2 minutes.
A client agreement (also called a service agreement or engagement letter) protects both you and your client. Essential elements:
1. Parties — your business + client's legal name. 2. Services — itemized scope of what you'll deliver. Specific. 'Design 3 logo concepts, 2 revision rounds, final files in PDF/SVG/PNG.' 3. Timeline — start date, milestones, completion date. 4. Payment — total fee, deposit (25-50%), schedule, method, late fees. 5. Revisions — how many included, cost of additional. 6. IP Ownership — does client own deliverables on payment? Do you keep portfolio rights? 7. Confidentiality — what client info you'll keep private. 8. Termination — how either party exits, with notice and kill fee. 9. Indemnification — limits liability on both sides. 10. Governing Law & Disputes — your state, mediation/arbitration first. 11. Signatures + date.
- Independent contractor status clause (avoids employee classification).
- Force majeure (acts of god).
- Non-solicitation (client can't poach your subcontractors).
- Entire agreement clause (this contract supersedes prior discussions).
Common mistakes: vague scope, no deposit, no late fees, no kill fee, no IP clarity. These are the top sources of client disputes.
Generate a free client agreement at icontract.pro/questionnaire — customized to your industry (design, dev, consulting, photography, etc.) and state.
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