--- title: "Small Business Strategies: Writing and Using a Contract with Clients" description: Does the thought of writing a contract between you and your client make your knees week? Jen Frost discusses contracts with Sarah Carafelli from SC Art and Design. --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2017/06/05/small-business-strategies-writing-using-contract-clients#) # Small Business Strategies: Writing and Using a Contract with Clients Jun 5, 2017 1:00:02 PM  |  by [Jen Frost](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/jen-frost) [!["Small Business Strategies: Writing and Using a Contract with Clients" by Jen Frost (CatholicMom.com)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Small-Business-Strategies-Main-Image-June-2017.jpg?width=720&height=340&name=Small-Business-Strategies-Main-Image-June-2017.jpg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Small-Business-Strategies-Main-Image-June-2017.jpg) Copyright 2017 Jen Frost. All rights reserved. Does the thought of creating a contract bring on a cold sweat? As a small business owner, there are many instances where having a contract in place between you - and your clients - is the right choice. Whether it's as simple as an online agreement, like the one [I establish with my pattern writers](http://faithandfabricdesign.com/2015/07/pattern-testers-wanted.html), or a formally written and signed contract, knowing how to write and use a contract is a skill you'll use throughout the course of your business. This month I'm sitting down with Sarah Carafelli from [SC Art and Design](http://scphotographydesign.com/), a freelance graphic designer and photographer in Ohio, to discuss contracts. [![Sarah Carafelli](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Sarah_Carafelli_bio.jpg?width=338&height=360&name=Sarah_Carafelli_bio.jpg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Sarah_Carafelli_bio.jpg) [![](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/divider-3.png?width=1165&height=14&name=divider-3.png)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/divider-3.png) As a small business owner, there are two parts of your business to manage — the “business” side and the “creative” side. The business side of things may not be as exciting, but it is still very important for the health of your small business. An essential part of the business side is writing and using contracts with clients. [tweet "Don't neglect the business of your business in favor of creativity. By @faithandfabric"] **Why Use Contracts?** You may wonder why you would want to use a contract in the first place. It may seem like using a contract conveys that you do not trust your client. On the contrary, using a contract shows you are professional. A contract fosters trust because in it you explain what your client can expect every step of the way. Think of a contract as a communication tool and a way to provide excellent customer service. Outlining expectations up front prevents misunderstandings later. **What Goes Into a Contract?** This article provides some general details you can use in any contract. (I wish I’d known these when I first started freelancing.) Because I don’t know your specific freelance gig, whether design or writing or crafting, I highly recommend doing some research about your particular specialty. Reach out to people in your same line of work with more experience. Ask them for pointers or a sample of one of their contracts. Read small business blogs and find some good books about your niche. **Details to Include ** 1. Scope of the Work: The scope spells out clearly what is and is not included in your price quote. This is important as clients will sometimes want to add work beyond the original scope. Refer back to the scope stated in the contract and say you would be glad to do the additional work for $x more. 2. Pricing: Whether you use hourly rates or flat rates is your preference. If you use hourly rates, it is vital to state how many hours are included for the quoted price. Then state you will inform your client when you’re approaching the time limit and will ask their permission before adding more time at $x/hour. 3. Payment: How will you be billing your client and what methods of payment do you accept? Do you require an initial payment? Clarify your procedure here. For example, I use Freshbooks to send invoices by email and clients can pay via check or credit card. If you are working remotely, I highly recommend including that you will release all files after you receive final payment. This protects you from non-payment. 4. Cancellation: In case a client wants to cancel a project, it’s important to clarify expectations. Key details to include: you will be paid for all work done (hours logged) up to the date of cancellation and you retain ownership of the work. 5. Signatures: Make sure you and your client both sign the contract so that it’s legally binding. These five guidelines are really just a starting place for writing a good contract. There are many more details that could be included, such as: • number of rounds of editing • turnaround time • hours you’re available to work • who will own the copyright This is where your research will really come in handy. Here are a few places you could check out — [millo.co](http://millo.co/), [blog.freelancersunion.org](http://blog.freelancersunion.org/) and professional groups for your specialty. I wish you all the best in writing and using contracts for the success of your small business. (This article is intended for information only; I am not a legal professional. If you have specific questions about writing a contract, please consult with a lawyer.) *Copyright 2017 Jen Frost* ### Share this article [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2017%2F06%2F05%2Fsmall-business-strategies-writing-using-contract-clients%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2017%2F06%2F05%2Fsmall-business-strategies-writing-using-contract-clients%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2017%2F06%2F05%2Fsmall-business-strategies-writing-using-contract-clients%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Small%20Business%20Strategies%3A%20Writing%20and%20Using%20a%20Contract%20with%20Clients) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2017%2F06%2F05%2Fsmall-business-strategies-writing-using-contract-clients%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2017%2F06%2F05%2Fsmall-business-strategies-writing-using-contract-clients%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ** #### About the Author ![Jen Frost](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Jen%20Frost.jpg) ### [Jen Frost](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/jen-frost) Jen Frost is a Catholic quilter and crafter who evangelizes through fabric! She’s a [pattern writer](http://faithandfabricdesign.com/patterns), quilt designer, and [book author about liturgical living in the home](https://faithandfabricdesign.com/2020/08/how-to-live-liturgically-book.html). She loves [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/faithandfabric/), and writes and quilts each week at [Faith and Fabric](http://faithandfabricdesign.com/patterns). [Subscribe to the newsletter to join the fun](https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f764ed9924e5ba0c3cf6d96), as well as receive great sewing tips and discounts, each month! ## Related Blog Articles [ Small Business Strategies: Managing the Work-Life Balance Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2016/04/04/small-business-strategies-managing-work-life-balance) [ Christmas Cookie Exchange: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/12/03/christmas-cookie-exchange-no-bake-chocolate-peanut-butter-balls) [ Sewing Seeds of Faith: Interactive Advent Wreath Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2019/12/12/sewing-seeds-of-faith-interactive-advent-wreath/) ## Comments ## Donate now [![Support Catholic Mom](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545) [![CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) ##### Subscribe to Catholic Momcast on iTunes or Spotify [![itunes-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/itunes-logo-black.svg)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-momcast/id1362352357)[![spotify-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/spotify-logo-black.svg)](https://open.spotify.com/show/15CoipHL7z61IDcYErV0b8?si=hqaQJSxDQgq7S1hxCwsoxQ) ##### CatholicMom on Social Networks [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) ##### About Catholic Mom [Who We Are](https://www.catholicmom.com/about-us) [Contact Us](https://www.catholicmom.com/contact) [Support CatholicMom.com](https://www.catholicmom.com/support-us)   ##### Associated Links [Holy Cross Family Ministries](https://www.hcfm.org/) [Family Rosary](https://www.familyrosary.org/) [Family Theater Productions](https://www.familytheater.org/) [Congregation of the Holy Cross](https://www.holycrossusa.org/) [Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.](https://www.fatherpeyton.org/) [The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life](https://www.peytonfamilyinstitute.org/) ### **Stay connected!** Don’t miss a thing! 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