I'm trying to get into the habit of sending all clients a project contract/agreement for every job. Have just put one together tonight, and hit print - two copies, nineteen pages - not particularly good for the environment. In addition, the printing, collating, posting, and waiting for return is quite time consuming.

 

Is sending out an old school printed contract that is then signed and returned the only way to legally cover ones self? Or is there a digital/online solution that is recognised by law, and a bit less nasty for the planet? Would love to hear what sot of system everyone else uses.

 

Cheers,

 

Chris

Digital signing's legally binding in most first world countries, but much as it's a waste of paper, I prefer to get a physical copy signed because then I know the client knows it's binding.

Digital signing's legally binding in most first world countries, but much as it's a waste of paper, I prefer to get a physical copy signed because then I know the client knows it's binding.

 

I understand, and certainly agree.

 

What about (and this is just a very rough) a single page that refers to a PDF document?

 

"I have read and agree to the terms and conditions stated in email 'Web Design Contract' that was received by me on May 14th, 2012 at 10:00pm."

 

Not sure of the legalities of that, but it reduces the paper output to a single page, and the contract can then be sent and stored digitally. Thoughts?

IANAL.

Me neither. Just chucking around some ideas.

I've been using one of the well-known E-signature services. Highly recommended.

I always send a digital contract to my client, unless they request otherwise. Yet they have to this date not requested a paper copy. Once they receive the email with the contract, they print it, sign it, then send it to me. Once I receive it, I sign it and send them a copy in the mail.