Running a freelance or mobile stylist business offers many advantages, including flexibility and the opportunity to build strong client relationships. However, to make the most out of your venture, you should have a comprehensive Freelance or Mobile Stylist Agreement in place. In this article, we’ll dive into the key elements your agreement should cover to ensure both you and your client are on the same page.
If you’re a freelance or mobile stylist, operating outside a traditional salon comes with unique challenges. Knowing the right considerations for Freelance or Mobile Stylists can greatly assist in creating solid agreements and business practices. Let’s delve into each point to add some more meat to the bones.
1. Clear Scope of Services
Specify the services you offer clearly, including the duration and the price for each. This minimizes confusion and sets the client’s expectations from the get-go. Do you offer packages or only à la carte services? Make this clear too.
Are you offering haircuts, hair coloring, or perhaps both? For instance, you could say, “Women’s haircut and styling, 45 minutes – $60.”
2. Payment Terms
Clearly lay out when and how you expect to receive payment. Do you require a deposit upfront? Are there late fees for overdue payments? Also, specify acceptable payment methods like cash, credit card, or digital transfers to ensure smooth transactions.
Be explicit about your payment terms. Mention whether you require an upfront deposit and how you handle overdue payments. For example, “50% deposit required to book, remaining balance due on the day of the service.”
3. Cancellation Policy
Your time is valuable, so outline a strict but fair cancellation policy. Mention how much notice a client needs to give for cancellations and whether there’s a fee for last-minute changes. This discourages flaky behavior and helps maintain your schedule.
For instance, you could state, “Appointments must be canceled 24 hours in advance, or a $20 cancellation fee will apply.”
4. Travel Expenses
If you’re offering your services on the go, clearly state if you’ll charge extra for travel time or long distances. You could have a flat fee for locations within a certain radius and then charge per mile beyond that, for example.
For instance, you could state, “Appointments must be canceled 24 hours in advance, or a $20 cancellation fee will apply.”
5. Equipment and Products
Provide a detailed list of the equipment and products you’ll be using. Do you require access to an electrical outlet? Need a particular type of chair or space setup? Outlining this beforehand avoids last-minute scrambling.
For example, “I will bring my own styling tools and eco-friendly hair products. Access to an electrical outlet is required.”
6. Liability Waiver
Mistakes and accidents are a part of any business. Include a liability waiver that outlines what you’re responsible for. This could include accidental cuts, allergic reactions to products, or any other potential mishaps.
Include a waiver to outline what you’re responsible for, like, “Client assumes risk for any allergic reactions to styling products used during the service.”
8. Renewal and Termination Conditions
Be clear about how to renew or terminate the service agreement. Specify any notice periods and whether there are fees for early termination. This helps manage long-term client relationships more effectively.
For example, “Agreement can be renewed monthly. Either party may terminate with a two-week written notice, without incurring penalties.”
Conclusion
Running a freelance or mobile stylist business offers flexibility but also requires careful planning. These in-depth considerations should be in your Freelance or Mobile Stylist Agreement to ensure both you and your client know what to expect.
