Freelance Agreement Examples for Developers

Explore practical examples of freelance agreements tailored for software developers.
By Jamie

Introduction

Freelance agreements are crucial documents for software developers to establish clear terms with clients. They protect both parties by outlining project specifications, payment terms, deadlines, and intellectual property rights. Below are three diverse examples of freelance agreements specifically tailored for software developers, each catering to different scenarios.

Example 1: Basic Freelance Agreement for a Web Development Project

In this scenario, a freelance software developer is contracted to create a website for a small business. This agreement outlines the scope of work, payment terms, and project timeline.

The agreement states that the developer will design and develop a responsive website for the client, including a homepage, services page, and contact form. Payment is structured in two phases: 50% upfront and 50% upon project completion. The timeline for completion is set to six weeks.

The agreement also includes a clause for revisions, allowing the client to request changes within a specified period after the initial delivery. Furthermore, it clarifies the ownership of the final product, stating that all intellectual property rights will transfer to the client upon full payment.

Notes: This template can be modified to include additional features such as SEO services or ongoing maintenance.

Example 2: Freelance Agreement for Mobile App Development

This example involves a freelance developer hired to create a mobile application for a startup. The agreement focuses on deliverables, milestones, and payment schedules.

The agreement outlines that the developer will create a mobile app for iOS and Android platforms, including features like user authentication, push notifications, and an admin dashboard. Payment is based on milestones, with 30% due at the start, 40% after the first prototype, and the remaining 30% upon final delivery.

Additionally, the document includes a timeline that specifies prototype delivery in three months and final delivery in six months. It emphasizes confidentiality, ensuring that both parties agree to keep sensitive information private, and includes a warranty period for bug fixes post-launch.

Notes: This template can be adjusted to accommodate different payment structures or additional features such as user testing.

Example 3: Freelance Agreement for Ongoing Software Maintenance

In this case, a software developer is contracted for ongoing maintenance and support of an existing software application. This agreement is structured to cover an extended period and includes terms for service levels and response times.

The agreement specifies that the developer will provide monthly maintenance services for an e-commerce platform, including regular updates, bug fixes, and user support. Payment is set as a monthly retainer, which ensures the client has access to the developer’s services as needed.

The agreement outlines response times for different types of issues, categorizing them into critical, high, medium, and low priorities. It also includes provisions for termination and a review process every six months to evaluate performance and discuss any necessary adjustments to the terms.

Notes: This template can be expanded to include a detailed service level agreement (SLA) that defines performance metrics and expectations.