Clear Terms, Clear Expectations
These terms explain the general way I work on website, hosting, support and software projects. Your written quote or project agreement can add or replace project-specific details.
1. Quotes and project scope
Before work starts, I will provide a quote or written description of the agreed work. Anything outside that agreed scope — such as extra pages, features, integrations, content entry or major revisions — may be quoted separately.
2. Deposits and payments
Any deposit, staged payment or monthly payment arrangement will be stated before the project begins. Final files, launch or transfer may depend on agreed payments being up to date.
3. Customer content and approvals
You are responsible for supplying content, branding, product information, images and other material you want included unless content creation is specifically part of the quote. You should have the rights or permission to use anything you provide. Project timescales can move if required content or approvals are delayed.
4. Revisions
The number or scope of revisions included will be stated in the quote or package. Significant changes of direction or additional work may be charged separately.
5. Website ownership
Ownership and transfer arrangements will be confirmed in writing for the project. Where agreed, the completed website files created specifically for you can be transferred after final payment, while third-party software, licences, themes, fonts, services and platforms remain subject to their own licences and terms.
6. Domains and hosting
Domain and hosting charges are separate unless a package says otherwise. Hosting prices depend on storage, traffic, software and technical requirements. Renewal prices can change because of supplier costs and will be communicated when applicable. You remain responsible for keeping agreed renewal payments up to date.
7. Care plans and ongoing support
Monthly care plans cover the specific time, checks and support listed in the selected plan or quote. Work outside the included allowance can be quoted separately. Unused time does not automatically roll over unless agreed in writing.
8. E-commerce and payment processing
Where a website takes payments, I normally integrate an appropriate third-party payment provider rather than storing card details directly. Payment providers have their own charges, verification requirements, security processes and terms, which remain the customer’s responsibility.
9. Password-protected areas and accounts
Login, customer, member and staff areas are designed around the agreed project requirements. No online system can be promised to be completely risk-free, so appropriate security controls, updates, backups and access practices should be maintained.
10. Bespoke software and databases
Custom databases, dashboards, stock systems, booking tools, admin software and integrations are tested against the agreed requirements. Changes in business processes, third-party systems or new requirements after sign-off may require additional development.
11. Third-party services
Services such as hosting providers, payment processors, email systems, APIs, plugins and external platforms can change their pricing, features or availability. I cannot guarantee the continued operation of a third-party service outside my control, but I can help investigate alternatives where appropriate.
12. Backups and data
Where backups are included, the scope and frequency depend on the selected hosting or care arrangement. Businesses should also retain appropriate copies of important business data and records according to their own legal and operational requirements.
13. Search engines and results
I can build sound SEO foundations and help with search-engine setup, but I cannot guarantee a particular Google/Bing position, amount of traffic, sales level or number of enquiries.
14. Cancellation and paused projects
Cancellation, minimum terms and any amounts due for work already completed will be stated in the relevant quote or monthly agreement. Long pauses caused by missing content or approvals may require a revised schedule.
15. Liability
I will take reasonable care in delivering the agreed services. The final contract should set out appropriate limitations of liability and exclusions for indirect losses, third-party failures and matters outside reasonable control. This section should be reviewed professionally before launch.
16. Privacy
Personal information submitted through the website is handled in line with the Privacy Policy.
17. Questions
If anything in a quote or these terms is unclear, please ask before work starts. I want both sides to understand what is included and what happens next.