Back to all answers

/ Business

What should be in my terms and conditions?

Scope, price, payment terms, revisions, cancellation, ownership of work, and liability limits. Get them looked at once by a solicitor.

/ 01

The short version

Terms exist for the 5% of jobs that go wrong, not the 95% that don't.

/ 02

What actually matters

  • What's included and explicitly what isn't.
  • Payment schedule, deposits and late payment terms.
  • Revision rounds and what counts as extra.
  • Cancellation and kill-fee terms.
  • IP ownership on handover and payment.

/ 03

The bit most people get wrong

Terms nobody agreed to don't help you. Get explicit written acceptance with every quote — a reply saying 'yes go ahead' referencing them is usually enough.

/ 04

What to do next

Attach your terms to every quote and require written acceptance before starting work.

/ 05

Where RIOT fits in

We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get contracts right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.

We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.

/ FAQs

Common questions

Do I need a solicitor?

One review of your standard terms is money well spent.

Are emailed terms enforceable?

Generally yes if accepted before work starts.

Still not sure?

Book a free 20-minute call — we'll answer your specific version of this question with no sales pitch.

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Ashley Scott
Studio Lead
speak to Ashley