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Freelance contract template

A general services agreement for most freelance work: what’s included, what it costs and when it’s due, how changes and cancellations work, and a sensible cap on liability. Adapt it for consulting, writing, editing, tech work and more.

It’s a starting point written for UK freelancers, not legal advice. Read it through, change anything that doesn’t match how you work, and get advice if the job is unusual or high-value.

Send it to sign, free →
What it covers

Each part, in a sentence.

Scope of work

The services listed in the contract, and nothing outside them unless agreed in writing.

Fees and payment

14-day payment terms, a deposit to secure the work, and pausing work if payment is late.

Late payment

Statutory interest for business clients under the Late Payment Act.

Changes and cancellation

Changes quoted first, cancellation charges, and refunds if you have to cancel.

Liability and general

Liability capped at the fees, the whole agreement, and governing law.

The template

Fill in the highlighted parts.

The same wording as the “General services” template in Freelance Ops. Anything in [square brackets] is for you to fill in or delete.

Scope of work

The Provider will carry out the work described in the products and services above (the “Services”). Anything not listed there is outside this agreement unless both parties agree to it in writing.

Fees and payment

The Client will pay the fees shown above. Unless the payment terms say otherwise, invoices are due within 14 days of the invoice date.

A deposit of [50]% is due on signing and secures the booking. The balance is due [on completion].

The Provider may pause work if a payment is more than 14 days late, and may charge statutory interest on late payments under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 where it applies.

Changes and cancellation

Either party can ask for changes to the Services in writing. Changes that add time or cost will be quoted before any extra work is done.

If the Client cancels, the deposit is non-refundable and any work already done is charged. If the Client cancels within [30] days of the agreed date, the full fee is payable.

If the Provider has to cancel, they will refund all payments made for work not yet delivered, and will try to recommend a suitable replacement.

Liability

The Provider’s total liability under this agreement is limited to the fees paid. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential loss, or for delays caused by events outside their reasonable control. Nothing in this agreement limits liability that cannot be limited by law.

General

  • This agreement, with the products and services above, is the whole agreement between the parties.
  • Any changes must be agreed in writing, including by email.
  • This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Or skip the copy and paste

Use it in Freelance Ops, free.

1

Pick this template

Start a contract from “General services”, with your client and prices filled in.

2

Fill in the brackets

Edit any clause, then save it as your own template to reuse.

3

Send to sign

Your client signs from a link, no account. One click turns it into an invoice.

Questions

Good to know.

What payment terms should I use?

This template uses 14 days, which is common for freelancers. If you agree no terms at all with a business client, the law treats payment as late 30 days after they get your invoice (or after you finish the work, if that’s later).

My clients are individuals, not businesses. Does that change anything?

Yes. Consumer law applies, so terms such as non-refundable deposits and cancellation charges have to be fair and clearly explained, and bookings made online or by phone can come with a right to cancel. Keep deposits in proportion to what a cancellation really costs you, and check the current guidance from Citizens Advice or a solicitor if you’re unsure.

Is a contract signed online legally binding?

Generally, yes. In England and Wales a contract doesn’t need a pen-and-ink signature: what matters is that both sides agreed to the terms, and an electronic signature can show that. When a client signs in Freelance Ops, the signed contract is kept with the date it was signed. For anything high-value or unusual, take advice from a solicitor.

Can I change the template?

Yes. Everything in [square brackets] is there for you to fill in or delete, and you can rewrite any clause. In Freelance Ops you can save your version as your own template and reuse it for every client.

Your next contract, signed online.

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