First Freelance Job, Contract Question
polycounter lvl 3
Hi Polycounters,
I recently landed my first freelance gig and was hoping some of you could provide some advice on whether or not I need to set up a contract that I send to the company to get paid for my work. The company sent me a contract, and I signed it. But there's 2 sentences that say:
'Company submits payments...following receipt of invoice from Contractor.'
'Fee: As negotiated with Art Director prior to beginning work on a project.'
In my head, I think 'great!' I can hold them accountable. But I've read stories about other freelancers getting burned by non-payment. So, should I go ahead and send them a contract so they agree to my terms as well? Or should I wait until I discuss things with the Art Director, (because that step hasn't happened yet) then send them a contract? Also, if you have any tips for making a freelance job go smoothly, I'd love to hear them!
I recently landed my first freelance gig and was hoping some of you could provide some advice on whether or not I need to set up a contract that I send to the company to get paid for my work. The company sent me a contract, and I signed it. But there's 2 sentences that say:
'Company submits payments...following receipt of invoice from Contractor.'
'Fee: As negotiated with Art Director prior to beginning work on a project.'
In my head, I think 'great!' I can hold them accountable. But I've read stories about other freelancers getting burned by non-payment. So, should I go ahead and send them a contract so they agree to my terms as well? Or should I wait until I discuss things with the Art Director, (because that step hasn't happened yet) then send them a contract? Also, if you have any tips for making a freelance job go smoothly, I'd love to hear them!
Replies
Before you start doing work on anything, make sure the fee is agreed upon with the AD. Another good thing to know is how/when they pay out invoices.
My best tip is: communicate...Don't guess, and don't leave your client guessing
good luck with your first job
Usual arrangements are "net 15" or "net 30", i.e. payment within 15 days or 30 days.
No time indicated means they'll pay whenever they feel like paying you....if at all.
I accepted a gig with full payment after invoice but no time indicated. It's for an established studio, I did my due diligence before taking the project. I invoiced once I finished. Didn't hear back for a couple weeks so I emailed reminder again...and again. A month and a half later, owner paid in full plus tiny tip for the "inconvenience".
If they'll pay slow continue to communicate professionally and send a polite reminder every two weeks or so.
If you're gonna get screwed out of a few grand then you're probably not gonna bother taking them to court regardless of how good your contract is. It's not worth the effort. If you're gonna get screwed out of a HUGE money number, well then you should be getting paid in installments, and not a lump sum at the end.
Has anyone here really taken someone to court over a breach of contract?
As low odor said above, just communicate. Get everyone on the same page. If they're liars and cheats, then you're screwed no matter how good a contract you had.
my general advice is to work for reputable companies ie do they have a proper website, have they any games already out etc. it's not foolproof, but a good guidline I think.
There was a sentence that said they pay in net 30, so I don't think I'll have to endure what Magic Sugar did. But good tip, stay professional and persistent. aesir, Low Odor, good tips. And Ruz, I didn't get a sketchy sense from them. They seem pretty reputable, but their website doesn't show much and they don't have any previous products. I'l tread cautiously going forward.