Development contracts with a definition of done

Freelance software projects go wrong in predictable places: a spec that was never written down, a "bug" that is really a new feature, an acceptance phase that never ends, and a client who expects free support for a year. The contract is where you define done.

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The contract and payment problems you actually run into

Fixed price, moving spec

"Just a small change to the login flow" can be two weeks of work. A written scope, a change-request process and a rate for out-of-scope work keep a fixed-price project fixed.

Acceptance that never happens

The client keeps testing, keeps finding "issues" and never signs off — so the final milestone is never due. An acceptance clause with a testing window and deemed acceptance closes the loop.

Bugs versus new features, forever

Without a warranty period, every future problem becomes your unpaid problem. Offer a fixed bug-fix window, then move ongoing work to a maintenance retainer.

IP, open source and your own code

Clients want to own the code; you reuse your own libraries and depend on open-source packages. Transfer the project code on payment, keep your pre-existing tools, and disclose open-source licences.

How it works with Clinch

1
Describe the job in a sentence or two: the AI drafts the contract from a template made for your trade.
2
Send one link: your client reads and signs on their phone in about 30 seconds, no account needed.
3
Collect the deposit at signature, then invoice the balance from the same place.

Contract templates to start from

Software Development Agreement Template (Fixed Price)A fixed-price contract for custom software projects, with milestones, source code handover, and a post-launch support window.Web Development Contract TemplateA contract for freelance developers building websites or web apps — scope, milestones, source code ownership, and post-launch support.Mobile App Development Contract TemplateAn app development contract covering milestones, platforms, acceptance testing, app store submission, source code, and post-launch support.Website Maintenance Agreement TemplateA monthly website maintenance contract covering updates, backups, security monitoring, support hours, response times, and hosting.Statement of Work (SOW) TemplateA standalone statement of work itemizing deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria for a specific project.

Clauses worth adding

Acceptance clauseAn acceptance clause with a review period and deemed acceptance, so a project can't stay 'almost done' forever.Bug fix warranty clauseA bug fix warranty clause for software and websites: a free fix period after launch, what counts as a bug, and what doesn't.Milestone payment clauseA milestone payment schedule clause: deposit, payments tied to deliverables, and when each is due. For larger freelance projects.Pre-existing IP (background IP) clauseA background IP clause: you keep the tools, code libraries and templates you bring to a project; the client gets a licence to use them.Open source software clauseAn open source clause for software contracts: which open source components may be used and which licences are excluded.Scope creep (change request) clauseA change request clause that stops scope creep: extra work is quoted, approved in writing and scheduled before it starts.

Free tools

SOW generatorA statement of work with deliverables, timeline, and payment in minutes.Change order generatorPrice the extra request, move the deadline, get it approved in writing.Hourly to project priceTurn your hourly rate into a fixed price that covers revisions and risk.Project cost estimatorPhases and hours in, a priced quote with buffer and deposit out.

Comparing tools?

Clinch vs Upwork for freelancers Clinch vs Bonsai for freelancers Clinch vs generic AI contract drafting tools

Questions

Fixed price or time and materials?

Fixed price works when the scope is well defined; bill milestones and use change requests for everything else. When the client can't define the scope yet, time and materials or a monthly retainer is safer for both sides.

How long should a bug-fix warranty be?

30 to 90 days after acceptance is common, covering defects against the agreed spec — not new features, third-party outages or changes made by others.

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Other trades

Photographers Wedding planners Designers Copywriters Videographers Consultants Coaches Architects Translators Social media managers DJs Event planners Fitness trainers Interior designers Marketers Illustrators Wedding photographers Web agencies Tutors

General information, not legal advice. For high-stakes deals, have a lawyer review your contract.

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