A framework agreement is a foundational contract for freelancers. It establishes the core terms for an ongoing working relationship with a client.
What is Framework agreement?
A framework agreement is a master contract. It outlines the general terms for a long-term collaboration with a client. This includes rates, payment terms, confidentiality, and intellectual property rules. It serves as a template for future individual project statements of work.
Why is this important?
It saves you significant time and legal hassle. Instead of negotiating a full contract for every new task, you reference the master agreement. This creates efficiency and clarity for both you and the client. It's ideal for clients who provide recurring or ad-hoc work.
How does it work?
You sign the framework agreement once at the start of the relationship. For each new project, you create a brief statement of work or work order. This document references the master agreement and specifies the project's scope, deliverables, and timeline. The core legal terms are already locked in.
Pros and cons
The main pros are speed and security for repeat business. It builds a stable client relationship. The cons can include locking in terms that may not suit every future project. You must ensure the initial terms are comprehensive and fair for all anticipated work.
Conclusion
A framework agreement is a strategic tool for freelancers with regular clients. It streamlines project kick-offs and provides contractual safety. Consider proposing one when you establish a promising, ongoing collaboration.
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