🤝 Agreement Overview

By hiring Joe Stone Web Development ("I", "me", "my") for web development services, you ("you", "your", "client") agree to these terms. This covers:

• Website design and development
• Website hosting and maintenance
• Ongoing support and updates
• Any related services we discuss

💼 Services I Provide

What's Included

• Custom Website Development: Built specifically for your business
• Mobile-Responsive Design: Works great on all devices
• Basic SEO Setup: Optimized to be found on Google
• Free Hosting: On my local infrastructure (no monthly fees!)
• SSL Certificates: Secure encrypted connections
• Regular Backups: Your website data is protected
• Ongoing Support: I'm here when you need help

What's Not Included (Unless Specifically Discussed)

• Domain registration (you handle this - about $15/year)
• Third-party software licenses or subscriptions
• Content writing (though I can recommend writers)
• Photography or professional graphics
• E-commerce payment processing fees
• Marketing or advertising services

💰 Pricing and Payment

Payment Terms

• Small Projects (under $2,000): 50% upfront, 50% on completion
• Larger Projects: Payment plans available - we'll work something out
• Hosting: Completely free (just cover your annual domain renewal)
• Major Updates: We'll discuss pricing for significant changes

Late Payments

I get it - sometimes payments get delayed. If an invoice is more than 30 days overdue, I may temporarily suspend hosting until we get caught up. I'd rather work with you than create problems for your business.

📋 Your Responsibilities

What I Need From You

• Clear Communication: Tell me what you want and need
• Timely Content: Provide text, images, and information promptly
• Feedback: Review work and provide feedback within reasonable timeframes
• Domain Management: Keep your domain registration current
• Legal Compliance: Ensure your content complies with applicable laws

Timeline Delays

If you need more time to provide content or feedback, no problem! Just let me know. Extended delays (over 30 days) may require project timeline adjustments.

🔧 My Responsibilities

What You Can Expect From Me

• Quality Work: Professional, functional websites that work properly
• Timely Delivery: Projects completed within agreed timeframes
• Regular Communication: Updates on progress and any issues
• Reliable Hosting: 99.9% uptime goal with enterprise-grade infrastructure
• Ongoing Support: Help with questions, updates, and minor changes
• Data Security: Protecting your website and customer information

📝 Intellectual Property

Your Content

You own all the content you provide (text, images, logos, etc.). You're responsible for ensuring you have the right to use everything you give me.

The Website Code

Once you've paid in full, you own the custom code I write for your website. You can take it anywhere you want, though you'll lose the free hosting benefits.

My Tools and Systems

I retain ownership of my development tools, hosting infrastructure, and any proprietary systems I use to build and maintain websites.

⚠️ Conflict of Interest Policy

🔒 Website Hosting and Data

Free Hosting Benefits

• Enterprise-grade infrastructure with Tesla PowerWall backup
• 10Gbps fiber with automatic cellular failover
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Daily automated backups
• No monthly hosting fees - ever!

Data Portability

Your website data is always yours. If you decide to move to another hosting provider, I'll help transfer everything at no charge.

Service Continuity

If I'm ever unable to continue providing hosting services, I'll give you at least 90 days notice and help you migrate to another provider.

🛡️ Warranties and Limitations

What I Guarantee

• Websites will function as designed on modern browsers
• Code will be professional quality and well-documented
• Hosting infrastructure will maintain 99.9% uptime goal
• Security best practices will be followed

What I Can't Control

• Third-party service outages (domain registrars, payment processors, etc.)
• Internet service provider issues
• Changes to web standards or browser compatibility
• Government regulations or legal requirements
• Natural disasters or "acts of God"

🚫 Termination

How Either of Us Can End This

• You can cancel: Any time with 30 days written notice
• I can terminate: For non-payment, illegal content, or abusive behavior
• Mutual agreement: We can both agree to end the relationship

What Happens After Termination

• You keep all your content and code (if paid in full)
• I'll help you migrate to another hosting provider
• Final invoices must be settled within 30 days
• I'll maintain backups for 90 days after termination

🌟 The "Above and Beyond" Stuff

📞 Dispute Resolution

Let's Talk First

If there's ever a problem, let's just talk about it! Most issues can be resolved with honest communication. Email me at [email protected] and I'll work with you to find a solution.

Formal Disputes

If we can't work it out ourselves, any legal disputes will be handled in DeKalb County, Illinois courts under Illinois state law.

📜 Legal Stuff

Changes to These Terms

I may update these terms occasionally. For existing clients, changes won't affect ongoing projects unless legally required. I'll always notify you of significant changes.

Entire Agreement

These terms, along with any signed project proposals, represent our complete agreement. Any changes need to be agreed to in writing (email counts!).

Severability

If any part of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the rest still applies.