If you operate as an LLC or under a DBA, include that so the agreement is enforceable against the right party. In Happ, your client information lives in one place and auto-fills into every agreement, so you're not retyping the same details each time.
Be explicit about:
Example: Instead of “create content for a brand campaign,” write: “Create 3 Instagram Reels (30-60 seconds each) and 6 static feed posts for Product X launch. Includes concept development, filming, editing, music licensing, and one round of revisions per asset. Final deliverables provided as MP4 files (Reels) and high-res JPGs (feed posts). Does not include strategy consulting, paid ad management, or content for additional platforms”.
Happ lets you save scope templates for common project types, so you start from a tested structure instead of rewriting from scratch.
Payment terms
Include total fee, payment schedule, accepted methods, and late fees. For longer projects, break payments into milestones, so your'e not waiting until the end to get paid. Always include a late payment penalty - it signals you're serious and gives you leverage if a client ghosts. Inside Happ, your payment terms from the contract automatically generate invoices and track payment status, so you know exactly what’s been paid, what’s pending, and what’s overdue without checking your bank account or digging through email.
Timeline and deadlines
State start date, key milestones, and final delivery date, and connect timelines to timely client feedback and materials. Example: delivery is contingent on the client responding within a set number of business days. This protects you if the client disappears for two weeks and then expects the original deadline to still hold. Happ timestamps deliveries and feedback so you have a clear record if timelines slip.
Revisions and change requests
Specify how many revision rounds are included and what happens after that (extra hourly rate or per-round fee). Require written change orders and updated fees and timelines when scope changes mid-project.
Example: “This project includes 2 rounds of revisions per deliverable. Additional revisions will be billed at $150/hour”
In Happ, scope changes can trigger a change request that updates the agreement and total and requires client approval before you continue.
Intellectual property and usage rights
Clarify who owns the final work after full payment and whether you can use it in your portfolio. A common setup is: client gets IP on final deliverables upon full payment, you retain the right to display the work unless otherwise agreed in writing. Happ lets you set default usage rights per project type so you're not renegotiating from zero each time or accidentally giving away rights you meant to keep.
Termination clause
Not every project makes it to the finish line. Describe how either party can end the agreement, how much notice is required, and what happens financially if the project stops mid-stream. For example, payment for work completed to date plus a kill fee percentage of the remaining balance. If a project is terminated in Happ, the system calculates what's owed from milestones and your termination terms so you don't have to.
What to skip
Scripts you can use
“I get it - it feels formal. But honestly, it just makes sure we’re both protected and on the same page about what you’re getting and when. It’s as much for you as it is for me.”
“I require a deposit before starting. It holds your spot on my calendar and covers setup work. It’s standard, and it protects both of us.”
“That’s outside the original scope we agreed to, but I’m happy to add it. Here’s a quick change order with the updated price and timeline. Once you approve, I’ll get started.”
No. A contract written in plain language and signed by both parties is legally binding. If you’re working on high-value projects (over $20K) or in a complex industry, it’s worth having a lawyer review your template once, but most freelancers can use a solid template and customize it for each project. In Happ, you can build your contract template once (or have a lawyer review it) and reuse it for every new client with project-specific details automatically filled in.
Read it carefully. Make sure it actually protects you - payment terms, clear scope, revision limits, ownership rights. If something feels off (like ‘unlimited revisions’), push back before you sign. You’re allowed to negotiate, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Yes, with customization. Build one strong template and adjust the scope, payment, and timeline for each project. The structure stays the same; the details change. Happ lets you save multiple templates for different project types (brand photoshoots, content packages, design retainers) so you’re not starting from scratch every time.
Send one now. Say: “Hey, I realized we never put in writing our agreement. Here’s a contract that reflects what we discussed. Can you review and sign so we’re both covered?” It’s not too late - better to have it mid-project than not at all.
That’s a red flag. A good client understands that contracts protect both parties. If they refuse, pause the work and ask why. If they still won’t sign, it’s better to walk away than to work without protection. The clients worth keeping will respect your process.
Happ centralizes your client data, templates, contracts, and payments so contracts become a normal, organized part of how you work. You can build a strong template once, send it for signature, track status, auto-generate invoices from its terms, and manage scope changes from the same place.
Over time, this makes “What did we actually agree to?” a quick lookup for reference, not a stress spiral.
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