1. Offer Overview
This agreement covers the design and installation of a new website built on WordPress, as detailed in the Purchase Order.
The website will be developed according to the specifications outlined in the Purchase Order. It will be structured to improve clarity, usability, and the overall communication of the client’s services or offerings.
Where applicable, content from the client’s existing website may be reviewed and carried over where appropriate, ensuring continuity and relevance. The scope of content migration, if any, will be specified in the Purchase Order.
2. Scope of Work
The Service Provider will be responsible for designing, building, and delivering the website as described in the Purchase Order. The core scope typically includes:
Planning and Structure: The layout and structure of the site will be designed to support clear navigation, easy access to key information, and a logical user journey.
Content Handling: The approach to content will be specified in the Purchase Order. This may include migrating existing content, editing and optimizing content, or creating new content where essential. Any substantial content creation beyond basic service descriptions will be outlined in the Purchase Order.
Service or Product Pages: Dedicated sections or pages will be created as specified in the Purchase Order. Each will be presented in a way that clearly communicates value and encourages user engagement.
Page Layout Approach: A standard layout approach will typically be used for efficiency and consistency across similar page types. Key pages such as Home, About, Contact, and other priority pages may receive distinct, purpose-driven layouts as outlined in the Purchase Order.
Visual Design: The site will be designed to reflect the client’s brand identity, using a clean, modern style that supports trust and professionalism. The level of custom design work will be specified in the Purchase Order.
Installation: Once completed, the website will be installed as specified in the Purchase Order (either on the client’s server or the Service Provider’s hosting infrastructure) and tested to ensure it functions as intended.
Mobile and Desktop Compatibility: The website will be responsive, meaning it will work well on both mobile and desktop devices. The website will be tested and functional on current versions of major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge). Compatibility with legacy browsers or specialized devices is not guaranteed.
Basic On-Site SEO: The structure and content of the site will be optimized to support basic visibility in search engines. This includes clean URLs, page titles, meta descriptions, and use of proper heading structures.
GDPR Compliance: The website will be built with features that support GDPR compliance, such as cookie consent tools and space for privacy notices. However, the client is solely responsible for the legal accuracy and completeness of all privacy-related content and settings. The Service Provider does not provide legal advice and cannot be held responsible for any non-compliance related to privacy policy content, consent settings, or the handling of user data. Ensuring legal compliance remains the client’s responsibility.
The Service Provider may, at their discretion, use AI tools to generate visuals, graphical elements, or written content that support the website’s purpose and enhance user experience. Any AI-generated visuals will be licensed appropriately for commercial use and will not infringe third-party rights. The client receives full usage rights to all AI-generated content included in the final deliverable.
The specific scope, features, and deliverables for each project will be detailed in the Purchase Order. Any additional features or functionality not outlined in the Purchase Order may require a separate agreement.
3. Process & Timeline
The estimated delivery timeline will be specified in the Purchase Order. This timeline is conditional on the client providing all requested materials, access, and feedback within agreed timeframes.
The project start date begins upon receipt of the initial payment (as specified in the Purchase Order) and all required materials, including login credentials, content, brand assets, and any other materials outlined in the Purchase Order.
Delays caused by the client will automatically extend the timeline, and the Service Provider will not be held responsible for missed deadlines resulting from such delays.
4. Revisions & Client Input
The Service Provider will share drafts at key stages of the project, giving the client several opportunities to stay aligned with the design and content direction as the site develops.
At each stage, the client may request one round of revisions, as long as the feedback is clear and provided on time. Revisions are intended for refining layout, wording, or structure. Larger changes outside the agreed scope may require a separate agreement and additional cost.
This limit is in place to protect the time and energy of the people involved in the project. The Service Provider may, at their sole discretion, accommodate additional minor revisions beyond the included round per stage. This flexibility is not guaranteed and does not imply acceptance of ongoing or unlimited changes.
The client is expected to respond to drafts and requests within five working days, unless agreed otherwise. This helps ensure the Service Provider can meet the aimed delivery timeframe. Delays in providing feedback or approval at any stage may result in project delays, which the Service Provider will not be responsible for.
5. What’s Not Included
Unless specifically outlined in the Purchase Order, this agreement does not include:
- Ongoing website management or maintenance after the initial support period
- Hosting or domain registration services (unless specified in Purchase Order)
- Complex custom features or integrations
- E-commerce setup
- Full logo design or comprehensive brand development (basic branding may be included as per Purchase Order)
- Ongoing content creation or SEO beyond what’s included in the initial build
- Online booking systems or appointment scheduling
If the client requires any of the above, this can be discussed separately and quoted as additional work.
6. Responsibilities & Access
The Service Provider is responsible for delivering the website as described in the Purchase Order, based on the information and materials provided by the client.
Both parties agree to keep all sensitive or proprietary information shared during this project confidential and not to disclose it to third parties without permission, unless required by law.
The client is responsible for supplying any content, images, login credentials, or technical access needed for the project. This includes access to the server where the website will be installed, if applicable.
The client’s hosting environment must meet WordPress minimum requirements. The Service Provider will advise if technical limitations prevent installation.
The client is also responsible for managing and storing login credentials after handover.
The client is responsible for maintaining backups of the website after delivery. For websites hosted by the client on their own infrastructure: The Service Provider will retain one backup from the date of delivery for up to 7 days post-delivery only. The Service Provider does not guarantee availability of backups older than 7 days and is not responsible for maintaining backups of client-hosted sites. For websites hosted by the Service Provider as part of an ongoing maintenance or hosting package: Backup retention terms will be as specified in the Purchase Order or Appendix A.
If any access or security issues arise, the Service Provider will assist where possible, but cannot be held responsible for issues caused by missing, changed, or compromised credentials.
The client retains full ownership of the website and its content throughout the entire design and development process.
7. Payment Terms
All pricing, payment schedules, and project specifics are detailed in the Purchase Order. If no formal Purchase Order exists, the invoice(s) paid by the Client, in combination with any written offer received by the Client (including offers sent via email), serve as the Purchase Order for the purposes of this agreement.
Payment terms will be specified in the Purchase Order. This may include full payment upfront, installment payments, or other agreed arrangements.
Delayed payments will push back the project timeline accordingly. The Service Provider will not begin work on any new phase or deliverable until the corresponding payment has been received and confirmed.
If ongoing hosting, maintenance, or support services are included in the Purchase Order, the monthly or recurring fee and payment terms will be specified therein.
8. Post-Delivery Support
Included Post-Delivery Support
The duration of included post-delivery support will be specified in the Purchase Order (typically up to three months after delivery). During this period, the Service Provider will correct errors or omissions in the original build at no extra cost.
This support covers issues that existed at the time of delivery. It does not cover:
- New content, pages, or features
- Issues caused by WordPress core, theme, or plugin updates after delivery
- Problems arising from hosting environment changes
- Fixes needed due to client modifications
- Third-party integrations or compatibility issues
- Issues arising from WordPress core updates, theme updates, plugin updates, or hosting environment changes made after delivery
After the Initial Support Period
Once the included support period ends, the client has the following options:
Option A: Ad-Hoc Support (Hourly Rate)
The client may request fixes, updates, or changes as needed. Hourly rates will be specified in a separate quotation. Work will be quoted before proceeding. Response times are not guaranteed.
Option B: Ongoing Maintenance & Support Package
If included in the Purchase Order or added separately, the client may subscribe to an ongoing maintenance package. Details of what is included in the maintenance package, monthly fees, and terms are outlined in Appendix A or in a separate Maintenance Agreement.
What Happens Without a Maintenance Package
If the client chooses not to continue with ongoing support:
- If the client is hosting the website on their own infrastructure without a maintenance package, the Service Provider will retain one backup from the date of delivery for up to 7 days post-delivery only. The Service Provider does not guarantee availability of backups older than 7 days and is not responsible for maintaining backups of client-hosted sites. If the Service Provider is hosting the website as part of an ongoing maintenance package, backup retention terms will be as specified in the Purchase Order or Appendix A.
- The client is fully responsible for maintaining backups, performing updates, and managing security
- Any future work will be quoted on an ad-hoc basis with no guaranteed response times
9. Liability & Final Notes
The Service Provider will take reasonable care to deliver a functional, well-structured website that meets the agreed scope. However, the Service Provider cannot guarantee uninterrupted performance, compatibility with all third-party systems, or specific results such as increased sales, bookings, or search rankings.
If issues arise after delivery due to errors or oversights in the original build, the Service Provider will correct them at no extra cost within the support period specified in the Purchase Order.
The Service Provider’s total liability is limited to the amount paid for the project as specified in the Purchase Order. The Service Provider is not responsible for indirect loss, such as business interruption, lost income, or damage caused by unauthorized access after handover.
Any future work, support, or updates outside the original agreement will be discussed separately and may be quoted as additional services.
The website may include a small, subtle credit line reading “Designed by Blue Ocean Social” at the bottom of the page, with a link to https://blueoceansocial.co.uk. It will be styled in a low-contrast color and placed in a way that does not distract from the site’s content or design. This credit serves to acknowledge the Service Provider’s work and to support their competitiveness in an industry where such attribution is standard practice.
This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
10. Termination
Either party may terminate the project with written notice. If the client cancels after work has started, the Service Provider reserves the right to retain a reasonable portion of the project fee based on time spent and work completed. Once the website has been delivered, no refund will be issued. If the project is cancelled before completion, any refund will be determined by the Service Provider based on the amount of work completed and costs incurred. No refund is guaranteed and will only be issued at the sole discretion of the Service Provider.
The Service Provider also reserves the right to terminate the agreement if the working relationship becomes unreasonably difficult, hostile, or abusive. This includes, but is not limited to: excessive or unstructured communication that makes project coordination unmanageable; repeated changes or instructions delivered without clarity; aggressive behavior such as shouting, insults, or threatening language; persistent demands for immediate responses outside of working hours; or any conduct intended to pressure, intimidate, or undermine the Service Provider’s professional judgment.
In such cases, written notice will be given. Any refund or delivery of work in progress will be at the sole discretion of the Service Provider. The Service Provider will provide evidence of such conduct if requested, to support the termination decision.
If ongoing maintenance or hosting services are included, termination terms for those services will be specified in Appendix A or the Purchase Order.
Appendix A: Website Maintenance & Support Package Terms
This appendix applies only if ongoing maintenance and support services are included in the Purchase Order or added separately after project completion.
Monthly Fee: As specified in the Purchase Order.
Included Services (typical package):
- Minor content updates as specified in Purchase Order (typically up to 2 per month)
- WordPress core updates
- Theme and plugin updates
- Regular security monitoring
- Website backup retention (number of rolling backups as specified in Purchase Order)
- Priority support during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm UK time)
- Hosting services (if applicable as per Purchase Order)
Not Included:
- Major redesigns or structural changes
- New page creation (may be quoted separately)
- E-commerce setup or management
- SEO services or content strategy
- Custom feature development
- Issues caused by third-party services or client modifications made outside of Service Provider support
Client Responsibilities:
The client must submit update requests in writing (email, WhatsApp, or agreed messaging platform). Typical turnaround time for minor changes is 3-5 working days unless otherwise agreed. The client remains responsible for providing accurate and lawful content.
Payment Terms:
Payment is typically collected automatically via Stripe or other agreed payment method, as specified in the Purchase Order. Failure to maintain payment will result in suspension of services. The Service Provider will provide reasonable notice before suspending access.
Liability:
The Service Provider takes reasonable care to maintain site functionality but is not liable for downtime, data loss, or performance issues caused by external hosting providers (if hosting is not provided by Service Provider), third-party plugins, or client-side changes.
Domain and Ownership:
The client retains full ownership of all website content and the domain name. If the Service Provider manages hosting or domain registration on behalf of the client, technical control may remain temporarily with the Service Provider during the service period, but ownership always remains with the client.
Termination:
Either party may terminate the maintenance package with written notice as specified in the Purchase Order (typically 21 days). Upon termination, the Service Provider will provide a final backup and assist with any necessary handover of access. No refunds will be issued for partial months. The Service Provider is not responsible for issues arising after cancellation of maintenance services.