1. Quotes and Proposals

Before commencing work on your project, I will supply a full breakdown of costs in a quote or a written proposal. All quotes are valid for 30 days.

Each quoted project includes initial briefing, discussions (by phone, videocall and/or email), research and competitor review, planning, copywriting, revisions, submission of the final draft and a final proofread (unless otherwise specified).

I require written email confirmation that you are commissioning me to write for you, and that you agree to the quoted fee before I start your project.

2. Fees

I prefer to work on a project basis and charge a fixed fee to cover my services from start to finish. However, I can charge on an hourly rate for ongoing work if preferable.

Prices are in $NZD. A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total quote will be required before work can begin. With the remaining 50% invoiced at project completion.

3. Changes in Scope

All quotes are provided on my understanding of the project and on the basis that the scope of the work doesn’t change during the job. Any changes to the project brief or revisions based on a change in scope made after the first draft has been submitted may incur an additional fee before work can continue. This will be discussed in advance.

4. Point of Contact

You will nominate one primary contact for all communication and revisions throughout the project, unless agreed otherwise.

5. Contract

If you are hiring me to work for you on behalf of any organisation, company, or group of individuals other than yourself alone, you confirm that you are authorised to hire me on their behalf. If you hire me on behalf of an agency to work for the agency on a project for one of your clients, a contract will exist only between me and the agency, and not between me and the agency’s client.

6. Revisions

All quotes include up to two rounds of revisions at no extra charge (unless otherwise specified). You have a maximum of 14 days from submission of first draft to respond with revisions unless otherwise agreed. Additional fees, at an hourly rate of $140+GST will be charged for revisions after the 14-day period.

This is provided that such revisions are assigned within 30 days of your receipt of the copy and are not based on a fundamental change in the project scope (see 3). Free revisions cover the first and second drafts. Additional amendments will be agreed by you, the client, before any further charges are made.

Complete rewrites due to a change in direction at the client’s end are a change in scope (see 3). A new quote will be submitted before commencing this work, if required.

7. Additional Meetings (either face to face, by phone or videocall)

Quotes do not include additional meetings or interviews outside the initial brief but can be added to the project at your request. However, these will be charged at an hourly rate of $140 per hour +GST and will include any necessary travel time. Meetings cancelled less than 24-hours beforehand will still be charged.

8. Timeframes/Deadlines

Services will be completed to a timeline agreed by you, the client, at the beginning of the project on the condition that you will provide a reasonably detailed brief and supporting materials and be available to answer any questions that arise within a reasonable period to enable the work to be completed within the agreed timeframe.

I agree to keep you, the client, informed if timeframes may not be met because of circumstances beyond my control, including illness and emergencies.
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If you do not communicate with me for 30 days, unless previously discussed, the project will be closed, and any final charges will be invoiced.

9. Expenses

You will not be charged for any minor, out-of-pocket expenses – including travel to meetings, phone calls, internet, email, or courier. In the unlikely event that a chargeable expense becomes necessary, you will be notified in advance.

10. Errors, Omissions, and Indemnity

I will make every effort to ensure that the copy is free of errors and omissions – including errors in spelling and content – but mistakes can happen. Any errors made on my part will be corrected free of charge.

I would request that after completion you review the copy thoroughly before committing the project to production, as the ultimate responsibility for the content rests with you, the client.

You shall hold me harmless against any liability anywhere in the world, including liability arising from copyright infringement and libel, that results in any way from your use of my copywriting services and counsel on this project. You agree to indemnify me against any claim for compensation or damages brought about as a direct or indirect consequence of the work I do for you and/or your organisation.

It is your sole responsibility, the client, to ensure that all statements, claims, promises, information on said product or service, and guarantees are upheld in accordance with the law. No claim for compensation or disbursement due to loss of earnings or any other detrimental effect to your business can be made against me.

11. Confidentiality

I will not disclose any information you identify as confidential. I am happy to sign whatever confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements you or your organisation deem necessary. You agree not to disclose any information about Choice Words pricing structure or intellectual property.

12. Copyright

The copyright for any creative concepts and copy I develop shall be fully transferred to you; the client once final payment has been made.

13. Showcasing Your Project

Choice Words reserves the right to use your projects for its own promotional use, unless asked not to. This includes referring to the project, your business name and using your logo and content unless otherwise agreed.

14. Payment

A non-refundable 50% deposit will be invoiced and must be paid before work can begin. Final payment is invoiced after submission of the final draft.

Invoices must be paid in $NZD by credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer within 14 days of receipt unless otherwise arranged. GST will be added to all payments.

If your project is urgent and requires a first-draft turnaround of less than 3 working days, Choice Words reserves the right to turn down the work or to charge a rush loading fee of 25%. If that’s the case, it will be discussed with you before the work begins.

15. Late Payment

If payment is not made in full within 14-days of receipt of the invoice, you may face a late payment charge on the outstanding amount of an additional 10% fee for each month it is overdue. If a third-party organisation is engaged to recover debt, you will be responsible for paying the additional costs involved, including any legal expenses.

16. Cancellation

Work can be cancelled by you, the client, up until the point of paying a deposit without incurring any cost. Once a deposit has been paid, it cannot be refunded. Paying a deposit or your written confirmation (if a deposit is not required) is viewed as a clear instruction for me to proceed without delay.

17. Hours of Work

My office is open Monday to Thursday between the hours of 9.00am and 3.00pm. During the school holidays these hours will change, but I will notify you in advance should your work be affected.

18. Your Satisfaction

I believe in working with my clients in an open and respectful way. I want you to be totally happy with the work I do for you. However, writing is an art and not an exact science and misunderstandings can happen. If you are not happy, for any reason, please discuss your concerns with me and I will do my utmost to give you something you are happy with.

If you have given me an opportunity to address your concerns and you still consider that the work that I have submitted does not meet your brief, the contract between us can be cancelled by either party (e.g., by email). This is entirely without prejudice, and no liability or admission of failure or inability to complete the contract on my part is implied. Any work that has been created up until this point must be paid.

19. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by New Zealand law and the Courts of New Zealand have exclusive jurisdiction if there’s a dispute.

Choice Words reserves the right to change these terms and conditions, including fees, at any time.