The fine print, in plain words.

These terms apply to every project we run together. They're written to be readable, not intimidating — but they're a real agreement, so please read them before booking.

1. About these terms

"We" or "us" refers to The Social Edit, an Australian creative studio based in Melbourne, VIC. "You" or "client" means the business or individual who has engaged us. By booking a service, you're agreeing to these terms.

2. Quotes and proposals

All quotes are valid for 30 days from the date issued. They include a clear scope of work, deliverables, timelines and total investment. Anything outside that scope is treated as an additional request and quoted separately.

3. Booking and deposits

To secure a project start date, we ask for a 50% deposit. This deposit is non-refundable, as it reserves studio time we'd otherwise offer to other clients. The balance is invoiced on completion (or, for retainers, monthly in advance).

4. Timelines

Project timelines are estimates and depend on you returning content, feedback and approvals on time. If client-side delays push the project significantly past the original timeline, we may need to reschedule remaining work to accommodate other commitments.

5. Revisions and feedback

Each project includes a defined number of revision rounds — usually two for design and two for copy. Additional rounds are quoted at a fair hourly rate. Feedback should be consolidated and clear; it's much easier on everyone than feedback dripping in over weeks.

6. Approvals and sign-off

Once you sign off on a deliverable (in writing or via email), we treat that as final. Changes after sign-off are scoped and quoted separately. Please review thoroughly before approving.

7. Payment terms

Invoices are payable within 7 days of issue, unless otherwise agreed. Late payments may incur a small administrative fee. Final files and ongoing access are released once payment is received in full.

8. Ownership and licensing

You own the final deliverables once full payment is received. We retain the right to display project work in our portfolio (here on the site, on social media, in proposals) — if anything is sensitive or confidential, just tell us in writing and we'll honour that.

Templates, design systems and underlying tools we develop in the course of our business remain ours.

9. Third-party tools and platforms

We often build on third-party platforms (Squarespace, hosting providers, scheduling tools etc.). You're responsible for the ongoing subscriptions and accounts associated with those platforms after launch.

10. Cancellations

If you need to cancel a project mid-way, we charge for work completed up to that point. Deposits are non-refundable as set out above. We'll always be reasonable about this.

11. Confidentiality

Anything you share with us in the course of working together is treated as confidential. We don't share your business details, strategies or financial information with anyone outside the studio.

12. Limitation of liability

We work carefully and professionally, but no creative work is risk-free. Our total liability for any claim relating to a project is limited to the total fees paid for that project. We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses.

13. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Any disputes are dealt with in good faith first, and through Victorian courts if necessary.

14. Questions

If anything in these terms is unclear, just ask: info@thesocialedit.com.au. We'd rather walk you through it before you sign anything than have a surprise later.