I finally changed my contract templates after a client called them 'garbage'

Had a client last month read my standard freelance legal agreement and say 'this is written for a robot, not a person.' Stung at first but she was right. I was using all this formal language that nobody actually reads. Rewrote everything in plain English, cut it down from 8 pages to 3. Got two new clients sign faster this week alone. Anybody else had to redo their paperwork after getting roasted?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_nancy7d ago

Standard contracts are basically written in legalese on purpose. Lawyers do it to scare people into not reading the fine print. Makes them look important. You cutting it down was the right move. Clients trust you more when they can actually understand what they're signing. More people need to stop hiding behind fancy words and just be clear about what they're offering.

shane1707d ago

Stripped my own contract down to bullet points and plain English. Clients actually started reading it and asking real questions instead of just signing and hoping for the best. Cut the fluff, keep the meaning, and people will respect you for it.

margaretc427d ago

Yeah, that line about 'hiding behind fancy words' hits home. I had a graphic design contract that was dense and confusing until a buddy asked me flat out if I even understood half of it, and I had to admit I didn't.