Contract template · for E-commerce Businesses

Free Web Design Agreement Template for E-commerce Businesses

A Web Design Agreement is the standard contract between a web designer/developer and client. Key clauses cover ownership of the final site, third-party plugin licensing, ongoing maintenance, and what happens if the client doesn't pay. This version is tailored for e-commerce — covering the specific clauses and considerations that matter most in the industry.

Web Design Agreement — Template Preview

For E-commerce Businesses

Web Design Agreement

For use in E-commerce

1. Services

[DEVELOPER] will design and build a website for [CLIENT] in the e-commerce industry. The scope includes [NUMBER] page templates, [features], and basic responsive design for desktop, tablet and mobile.

2. Timeline & Milestones

Milestone 1: Discovery & wireframes — [WEEKS] weeks. Milestone 2: Visual design — [WEEKS] weeks. Milestone 3: Development & content integration — [WEEKS] weeks. Milestone 4: QA & launch — [WEEKS] weeks.

3. Revisions

Fees include two (2) rounds of revisions per milestone. Additional revisions and out-of-scope work are billed at $[HOURLY]/hr.

4. Fees & Payment

Total: $[AMOUNT]. 50% deposit due upon signing; 25% at design approval; 25% at launch. Past-due amounts pause work and accrue interest at 1.5%/month.

5. Hosting & Domain

Client is responsible for hosting and domain purchase and ongoing fees. Developer can recommend providers but does not control or guarantee third-party services.

6. Ownership

Upon full payment, Client owns all custom code, design files, and content rights for the final site. Third-party plugins, themes and libraries remain governed by their original licenses.

7. Post-Launch Support

Developer provides 30 days of bug fix support after launch at no charge. Ongoing maintenance and content updates require a separate retainer or are billed hourly.

[Signatures and execution clauses on signing]

Industry-specific considerations for e-commerce businesses

Beyond the standard web design agreement clauses, here are the specific items e-commerce businesses typically need to address before signing:

  • Privacy policy and GDPR/CCPA compliance
  • Payment processor compliance (PCI)
  • Return and refund policy
  • Inventory and supply-chain risk

Typical pricing in e-commerce

Project pricing varies; SaaS tools often subscription.

How to use this template — 3 steps

1

Customize

Use our eSign tool to drop in your real names, dates, scope and fees. The template handles the legal scaffolding; you fill in the specifics for your e-commerce engagement.

2

Add signature fields

Drag-drop signature, date, initials, and text fields onto the document. Assign each field to the correct signer (yourself, the client, or both).

3

Send for signature

Enter the other party's name and email, hit Send. They receive a signing link via email — no account required. You get notified the second they sign.

Customization tips before you send

  • • Replace every [BRACKETED] placeholder with real values — names, dates, dollar amounts, percentages.
  • • Set the governing law to your state — usually where you live or do business.
  • • Confirm the project-based term length matches your project.
  • • If this is a high-stakes contract (over ~$50K, or anything involving significant ongoing liability), have a licensed attorney in your state spend 30 minutes on a review.

FAQ — Web Design Agreement for E-commerce Businesses

Do e-commerce businesses really need a Web Design Agreement?+

Yes — and especially in e-commerce, where client relationships are the core asset. A signed web design agreement protects both sides if something goes wrong — and most disputes can be solved by simply pointing at the signed contract.

What's different about a Web Design Agreement for e-commerce businesses?+

Compared to a generic web design agreement, the e-commerce version typically adds clauses around: Privacy policy and GDPR/CCPA compliance; Payment processor compliance (PCI); Return and refund policy.

Is this Web Design Agreement legally binding once signed?+

Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws, an electronic signature is just as legally binding as a wet-ink signature for almost all commercial contracts. Our eSign tool produces a SHA-256 audit trail proving who signed, when, and from where — so the contract is defensible in court.

Can I edit this template?+

Yes — and you should. The template covers the typical scope, but every e-commerce engagement has unique details (rates, scope, deadlines). Use our eSign tool to drop in your actual project details before sending the contract for signature.

How do I sign this online?+

Click "Edit & sign online — free" below. Our eSign tool opens with a blank document; upload your customized contract PDF, drag-drop signature/date fields, and email it to the other party. They sign from any device — no account needed for signers.

Other contracts e-commerce businesses commonly need

Legal disclaimer: This template is provided for general informational use only and does not constitute legal advice. RealProfits is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Contract law varies by state and country; enforceability depends on specifics this template can't anticipate. For high-stakes or regulated matters, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before signing.

Ready to sign?

Open the Web Design Agreement in our free eSign tool, customize it for your e-commerce engagement, and send it for signature in under 2 minutes.

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