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Freelancing: first client checklist

From the first message to the final invoice: agree the work, the price and the deadline in writing.

21 items · 5 sections · career, work, money

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Before you reply (4)

  • Read the brief twice and note what is clear and what is missing
  • Check the client is real: website, other work, reviews, a company email
  • Decide your rate per hour or per project and your lowest price
  • Check your calendar so you can promise a realistic deadline

Agree the work (5)

  • Write down exactly what you will deliver and what is not included
  • Agree how many rounds of changes are included
  • Agree dates for the first draft and the final delivery
  • Agree who gives feedback and how long they have to give it
  • Agree who owns the work and when ownership passes (after payment)

Get paid (5)

  • Ask for a deposit of around 30 to 50 percent for a first client
  • Put the price, the payment dates and the late fee in a short written agreement
  • Agree the payment method and the currency
  • Send your invoice on the day you deliver, with your bank or payment details and a due date
  • Follow up politely the day after the due date

While you work (4)

  • Send a short progress update in the middle
  • Keep all messages and files in one place
  • Save a copy of everything you deliver
  • Do not start extra work that was not agreed without a new price

After delivery (3)

  • Ask for a short testimonial and permission to show the work
  • Set aside part of every payment for taxes
  • Note what took longer than planned and adjust your next quote

Written from www.irs.gov

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