Yes. A short project charter and a plain-language terms of service help any small business avoid misunderstandings, because they put on paper what you will do, when, and what each side is responsible for. They are short, and they protect you and your customer. This is general guidance, not legal advice. For legal questions, ask a lawyer.
What is a project charter?
A project charter is a short written plan for a piece of work: what is being built or delivered, the timeline, who does what, and what you need from the customer. It keeps both sides aligned from day one.
What goes in a project charter?
- The goal and what is included
- What is not included
- The timeline and key dates
- What you need from the customer, and by when
- Who is responsible for what
What are terms of service?
Terms of service are your agreement in plain language: what you provide, how and when you are paid, how revisions and changes are handled, and what happens if something goes wrong.
Why does this matter for a small business?
Most disputes start with different expectations, not bad intentions. When the scope and the terms are written down, you can point to them calmly.
An example
Every Launch Site we build includes a project charter and terms of service, sent to you by email as soon as you order. See the Launch Site for what is included.
Written by Mark Nii Barnor Adom. About the author