Terms & Conditions for new and existing clients
Initial meeting
After an initial meeting where the client has given a realistic expectation of what is needed, I will supply a free proposal (quote). Because the proposal is based on this information, anything over and above, ie, extra pages, additional functionality, will incur extra costs (to be agreed before going ahead with these extras). Once the proposal has been agreed by the client, we move into the Development Stage.
Development Stage
At this point I will require a 50% non-refundable* deposit with the remaining 50% being paid at the end of the Development Stage. I will invoice you giving payment details and my terms are 7 days net. *If for any reason I am unable to complete your website, I will return your 50% deposit and hand over all the relevant files and logins. However, I reserve the right to use my designs and templates for other websites.
I will build your website using my preferred supplier and will purchase your domain (or transfer existing domain if applicable), webspace and WordPress platform by opening an account in your name and will add your payment card details for the purchase of the domain (if applicable) and webspace (WordPress is free). I charge this at cost with an admin cost added (agreed in the proposal). You can choose auto renew after the annual period has elapsed or I can renew for you at the end of the annual period for a modest fee (to be agreed beforehand).
If you require your existing site to be altered, using your own webhost, it is unlikely that I would take this on, but am open to discussion.
I will normally undertake to get the front page (home page) to you within 5 working days (to be agreed at the initial meeting). This is to ensure I have understood your remit and I am heading in the right direction in terms of look and feel, colours etc. We would also agree at the initial meeting approximately how long it will take to complete the site but please be aware that this may depend on you, the client, getting your content to me in a timely manner.
After the Development Stage has been completed (by mutual agreement) the site will be in the Maintenance Stage. At this point your site will ‘go live’ on the internet and will be handed over to you. I will invoice you for the outstanding amount.
Maintenance Stage
All logins and passwords will be handed over to the client and if you wish me to maintain/update your site, this can be done at a cost agreed beforehand, depending on the maintenance/update required. This may include renewing your domain and webhosting space if purchased through me. I can offer basic training if you decide to maintain your own site at a price agreed in advance.
If you choose to maintain your own site, please be aware that WordPress requires regular updates of the code (called plugins). Rather like updates on your phone or computer, these keep your site secure and up to date. Be aware, sometimes these updates can cause issues but they are normally easily remedied by contacting tech support (at the webhosting provider) and I wouldn’t recommend you ignore them. If you want me to update these plugins (which I normally do every two weeks) there would be a modest fee. If you haven't updated them regularly and the site is damaged and I may reserve the right not to fix it.
My Privacy Policy
Your details, logins, passwords etc. are held locally both on my laptop, backed up on external storage devices and are password protected. These items are stored in a safe environment. I have Professional Indemnity Insurance for Technology Companies and my place of work meets the requirements of that insurance policy. I will never share your information with any third parties other than for the purpose of setting up the above accounts etc. necessary for building your website.
Site errors
If your site goes down or has a major error occur:
(a) you can get hold of tech support (at the webhosting provider) using the login details already supplied by me at the beginning of the Maintenance Stage or,
(b) request my help. There will be a modest fee for an uncomplicated fix but I will quote and agree a fee beforehand if the problem is more serious (ie, problem due to plugins not being updated).
Emails on your devices
I will set up your business email(s) and give you instructions on how to set these up on your devices (phones, tablets etc.). If you encounter difficulty getting this set up, I will give you details of your tech support (at the webhosting provider) for further help but only if your webspace was purchased through me. If you have webspace somewhere else, you will need to contact your original website developer to get those details.
Socials
I can link your website to your socials (Facebook, Twitter etc.). However, I am not responsible for how those third-party sites display your logos, pages etc.
Payment methods
Applicable to eCommerce sites only
The payment method I use is Stripe and it is the most commonly used payment method for WooCommerce in WordPress. I can't guarantee its suitability to your particular site but have found it to be reliable. After initial set up, I will remove my contact details and add yours. At this stage, the Stripe account becomes yours and it will be your responsibility to keep your logins and passwords secure and accessible. I will help you in case of difficulty if I can and will direct you to tech support (at Stripe and/or the webhosting provider) if necessary. You may prefer to use an alternative payment method to Stripe. I can set this up but only if it is supported by WooCommerce.
In the UK, the payment deposit period is 7 working days and thereafter you will receive payment daily unless you would prefer weekly or monthly. The first payment may take just over 7 working days and you can track the process in WooCommerce Payments. I cannot guarantee you will be paid exactly on the due date but I can try to help you navigate this process in the early stages of your eCommerce site going live.
Your Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy etc.
It is your responsibility to get legal advice for such documents and, once supplied, I will then add them to your website. I accept no responsibility for breaches of copyright and take on trust that you have permission to use the information you have given me, ie third-party logos, images and wording. If you need details of where data is stored on your webspace for General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) purposes (ie where names and addresses are stored) I will be happy to assist you. For third parties (ie Stripe) I would encourage you to be aware of where payments etc. are stored and held. Login details for these third parties will be supplied to you at the end of the Development Stage.