Freelancers: 7 Contract Traps That Cost You Money

1. No Kill Fee

Add: "If terminated without cause, Client pays for work completed plus [X]% of remaining value."

2. Unlimited Revisions

Specify: "Includes 2 rounds of revisions. Additional at hourly rate."

3. IP Ownership Without Limits

Retain pre-existing IP. Grant client a royalty-free license for deliverables.

4. Late Payment Without Penalties

Add: "1.5% monthly interest on late payments."

5. Scope Creep

Attach a Statement of Work with specific deliverables and acceptance criteria.

6. Non-Compete Clauses

Strike entirely or limit to project duration. Non-compete post-project is rarely enforceable.

7. Venue in Client State

Push for your home state or AAA arbitration online.

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