Prior to commencing work, I will need you to confirm you have read and agreed to these terms. This will ensure there are no misunderstandings for both parties regarding what is expected of them.
The Contract
The relationship that exists between The Professional Plume and client is as an ‘independent contractor.’ That means my time is limited to the current project from consultations, to research and the execution of your written content. I will not give the impression I am an employee of your company.
My Pricing Terms
Prior to commencing work, I will provide you with a quote for the project. This quote will be the final price for the project unless the original brief is altered. Each quote will include:
- A free quote
- A maximum of 3 drafts
- Any minor amendments that are required
- Communication between both parties throughout the course of the project
If you require any additional work that has not been previously mentioned in the original brief, this will be quoted individually and then added to the existing invoice.
The Copywriting Brief
I require a brief to be supplied by you, which outlines the project and your requirements. This ensures both parties know what is expected for the project while it allows me to determine if I have everything I need to complete the project to your satisfaction.
Commencement of Work
Prior to work commencing, I require email confirmation from you stating you have read my terms and conditions, understood them, and you agree to my fees.
Timescale and Deadlines
Deadlines are important to me, so I will make every effort to ensure I meet the agreed deadline. If I am unable to do so, I will inform you of this at the earliest opportunity.
Payment Terms for Direct Clients and Agencies
For any new client, I require a 50% non-refundable deposit before I commence work. The remaining 50% is then invoiced at the half-way point of the project.
If it is a larger project, staggered payments can be arranged in line with agreed milestones. Each invoice is sent electronically and are required to be paid within 7 days of receipt.
Payment is by PayPal or BACS. I do not accept a cheque.
For an agency, even though some projects do take several months to complete, I still require a 50% non-refundable deposit prior to starting work. After the completion of my part of the project, the remaining payment should be made within 7 days of receiving the invoice. This should be done whether the project has been signed off by the client, or not.
Termination of Copywriting Contract and Pause Clause
Should a client fail to communicate with me within 14 days of paying their non-refundable deposit, the project will be terminated at that point. If a project involves scheduled milestones and no feedback is given at any point, the project is then ‘on hold’ until communication is restored. At that point, milestones will be rescheduled in line with my availability at that time.
Late Payment Terms
I reserve the right to exercise my statutory rights to interest and compensation for any costs related to debt recovery. This is in line with the Late Payment of Commercial Debt Act of 1988.
This act states debts of less than £1000 incur a penalty of £40 which then rises to £70 for debts up to £9,999.99 and £100 for anything over that figure.
Interest is payable at a rate of 8% over the base rate as set by the Bank of England.
International Payment Fees (PayPal and BACS)
Any international clients are expected to pay any currency conversion charges with the invoice.
For BACS payments, this rate is currently at £7 according to the Bank of Scotland for any payments that exceed £100, or the equivalent in your currency.
For PayPal payments, the fees are determined by the following:
- International payment fee
- Fully funded payment fee
- Fixed fee
- Cross border fee
- Currency conversion fee
The exact amount depends on the country and the amount in question.
To help, here’s a link to the current cross border and currency conversion fees for Paypal.
Do note international clients could find they are subject to additional fees related to sending money overseas.
Intellectual Property Rights
Copyright is automatically transferred to the client upon the completion of the project and after all payments have been received. I do reserve the right to use extracts to form my portfolio.
I take care to ensure there are no copyright issues. However, you agree to indemnify me against any action that may arise as a direct result of using my services.
Errors and Omissions
Even though I try to ensure your project is accurate, factual and proofread, I cannot guarantee every project is completely free from those errors. This includes grammatical and factual.
Indemnity
By agreeing to use my services, you therefore also agree to indemnify me against any claims for compensation or damages resulting from the use of written material. You also indemnify me against any third party, or when there has been unsought permission to use my material.
Even though I take great care to produce original content, the client does accept full responsibility for the checking of the authenticity of the project. This includes research materials or citations and indemnify The Professional Plume and Barry Gray of any compensation for loss or damages.