01 Scope of Engagement
DesignLingo provides UX and UI design, web design and development, brand strategy, AI-driven automation, and ongoing website care services. The specific scope, deliverables, and timeline for each engagement are defined in a separate proposal or statement of work.
Where an engagement includes website hosting, or requires access to the Client's hosting account to complete the work, the Client authorizes DesignLingo to access the relevant account and directories needed for the project, and will provide the necessary credentials or access permissions. The Client is responsible for its own hosting agreement with its provider unless DesignLingo has agreed in writing to arrange hosting on the Client's behalf.
02 Payment Terms
Payment structure depends on the type of engagement and is set out in the applicable proposal.
Fixed-scope projects
A minimum deposit of 50% is required to begin work. Once the deposit is received, DesignLingo will share initial concepts for the Client's review, and full production begins once the Client confirms acceptance in writing, by email or signature. The remaining balance, plus any additional charges incurred, is due within 30 days of the completion and invoice notice.
Recurring engagements
Fees for subscriptions and care plans are billed on the schedule stated in the applicable proposal, typically monthly, and are due upon invoice.
Late payment
If payment is not received within 30 days of the due date, a 10% late fee applies. Simple interest accrues at 18% annually on any balance still outstanding 30 days after the late fee is applied. DesignLingo reserves the right to suspend delivery, remove published work, or pause an active subscription if payment is more than 30 days past due. Clients anticipating a payment delay should contact DesignLingo in advance to discuss options.
03 Client-Provided Materials
The Client represents and warrants that any text, graphics, photos, designs, trademarks, or other materials it provides to DesignLingo for use in a project are either owned by the Client or used with permission of the rightful owner. The Client agrees to defend and hold DesignLingo and its subcontractors harmless from any claim arising from DesignLingo's use of materials the Client provided.
04 Deliverables & Ownership
Upon full payment, ownership of the final deliverables created specifically for the Client, including final designs, website files, and written content, transfers to the Client. DesignLingo retains ownership of its own pre-existing tools, templates, frameworks, and reusable systems used to create deliverables, and nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of DesignLingo's underlying methods or infrastructure.
DesignLingo may display completed work in its portfolio, case studies, and marketing materials unless the Client requests confidentiality in writing.
05 Confidentiality
Each party agrees to keep confidential any non-public business, technical, or financial information it learns from the other in the course of the engagement, and to use it only for purposes of the engagement.
06 Cancellation & Term
Fixed-scope projects
If the Client cancels a project after work has begun, the deposit is non-refundable and covers work completed to date. Any additional work completed beyond the deposit amount will be invoiced.
Recurring engagements
Either party may cancel a month-to-month engagement with 30 days' written notice. Fees already invoiced are non-refundable.
07 Referral Program
DesignLingo values word-of-mouth referrals above any other form of marketing. If a Client refers a new party that becomes a paying DesignLingo client, the referring Client will receive a discounted rate on their next project.
08 Limitation of Liability
DesignLingo's total liability for any claim arising from an engagement is limited to the amount paid by the Client for the specific engagement giving rise to the claim. DesignLingo is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or lost data.
09 Timely Completion
DesignLingo and the Client agree to communicate promptly and to provide feedback, approvals, and materials in a timely manner so that projects can be completed on schedule and remain profitable for both parties.
10 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
11 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the applicable proposal or statement of work, constitute the entire understanding between DesignLingo and the Client for the engagement. These Terms take effect once the Client authorizes work to begin, whether by signature, written acceptance, or payment of a deposit.