Most disputes with clients start with what exactly was agreed. A short, clear agreement prevents them.
- Scope: what is included — and what is not.
- Timeline: milestones, and what happens when the client is late with materials.
- Price and payment terms: advance, instalments and dates.
- Changes: how a change is requested and what it costs.
- Ownership: who owns the deliverables, and when ownership passes.
- Confidentiality: what stays between you.
- Liability: the limits of the business’s liability.
- Termination: how to end it, and what is paid for work done.
This is not legal advice. For a material agreement — a large one, one involving intellectual property, or one with a client abroad — consult a lawyer.
How to do it in Joy
In Joy pick an agreement template, the client and project details fill in by themselves, and send it for digital signature. The signed agreement is kept in the client’s file, next to the quote and the invoices.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every rule is given with its official source; anything marked "to verify" must be checked against the current wording. Last updated: 15 October 2026.