Official "Terms of Service" Advice & Review Post

[kerstin-orion.livejournal.com]

As an artist, it is critical to have a good Terms of Service. One that includes both your rights as the artist and the customer's rights in relation to your transaction. Not only does this educate your customers on how the process works and what to expect from it, but it protects both of you in case something goes wrong.

In our official T.O.S. discussion post, we discussed what to include in a Terms of Service, what constituted good terms, and what were questionable, shady, or downright illegal terms.

Now, artists, here's your chance to post your T.O.S. for critique. Don't know how to word a particular point you're trying to convey? Want to make sure your T.O.S. is fair for you and your customers? Need to make sure you didn't leave any gigantic loopholes? Link your T.O.S. here, and members can give you their advice.

This post can also be used to discuss any other questions that you have on your mind regarding how to build a T.O.S., maintain a good T.O.S. and how to make sure your clients read and agree to your T.O.S.

Before you post, please read through the previous T.O.S. discussion and maybe even the examples in the last T.O.S. post, apply what you learn there to your T.O.S., and then link your revised T.O.S. here for help polishing up. Please do not post a half-finished T.O.S. and ask folks to rewrite it for you. Be prepared for honest critique!

Comments

[houndofloki.livejournal.com]

I don't think most artists who cancel commissions are deliberately trying to scam anyone.

But what you have to keep in mind is that the buyer didn't agree to buy a sketch, may not have been remotely interested in buying a sketch - and even if they do like sketches, didn't agree to that particular price for one. Whatever circumstances in your life are forcing you to cancel (too much work, final exams, personal problems, etc) have nothing to do with the buyer. It's not fair to charge them an unagreed-on price for an unagreed-on product just because you had something come up.

If the buyer decides to cancel, you absolutely should refund only the amount to cover what work you've already done.

[sweepshire.livejournal.com]

I've updated my ToS to reflect the replies to this post, http://sweep-commissions.weebly.com/terms-of-service.html

[evan-balot.livejournal.com]

Achievement Unlocked: Better ToS!

Bonus: Increase in commissions and respect from other artists.

[houndofloki.livejournal.com]

Looks great! :)