General terms and conditions

F. Linhares

General terms and conditions.

Welcome to the terms and conditions for F. Linhares UX/UI Design. This page outlines the essential guidelines and agreements that govern my services, including payment terms, service scope, intellectual property rights, project timelines, and governing law. By engaging with my offerings and by submitting payments, you agree to adhere to these stipulations, ensuring a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship.

At F. Linhares UX/UI Design, I prioritize clear communication and legal compliance in all our engagements. My terms and conditions are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of my operational procedures and client expectations. Please note that I may collaborate with other freelancers on client projects, and clients will be notified of any additional assistance involved. The terms have been updated to include provisions on changes to the terms and conditions, a children’s policy, the use of service providers, and details regarding Minimum Viable Product (MVP) website creations. These updates ensure compliance with relevant German and European laws.
January 2024

§ 1. Payments.

§ 1.1. Acceptance of Terms.

By engaging my services and proceeding with payment, you agree to the outlined terms, conditions, and project scope. This includes a non-refundable deposit if the project is canceled. These terms cover UX/UI design, MVP (Minimum Viable Product) webpage creation, and IT strategy, in compliance with German and European laws.

§ 1.2. Payment Terms.

Deposit Requirement: A non-refundable deposit of 40% of the project total is required before work begins.

Installment Plan: The remaining balance is to be paid in up to four installments, scheduled per project milestones.

Non-Refundable Deposit Clause: The initial deposit serves as confirmation of engagement and is not refundable.

Payment Deadline: All invoices should be paid within 5 workdays.

§ 1.3. Additional Costs.

Any third-party service costs (e.g., specific plugins or extended hosting) will be billed separately. In case of additional requirements outside the agreed scope, I will provide an updated estimate.

§ 1.4. Contract Formation.

The contract between the client and F. Linhares UX/UI Design is established through a formal offer issued by F. Linhares, followed by the corresponding invoice and the payment of the first invoice by the client.

§ 2. Services.

§ 2.1. Scope of UX and UI Work.

I provide a strategic UX/UI design approach that enhances user experience and engagement while ensuring accessibility and responsiveness across all devices. My UX/UI services focus on usability, performance, and brand alignment to create efficient and user-friendly digital experiences.

§ 2.1.1. User-Centric Wireframing & Prototyping.

User Flow Optimization: Designing intuitive user journeys to improve navigation and interaction.

Wireframing & Prototyping: Creating low- and high-fidelity wireframes to visualize layouts and structure before development.

Usability Enhancement: Optimizing design components for better conversion rates and engagement.

§ 2.1.2. AI-Optimized SEO Readiness.

On-Page SEO Integration: Implementing AI-assisted basic SEO strategies to improve search engine visibility.

Yoast SEO Plugin (Free Version): Setting up and optimizing meta descriptions, title tags, and readability using Yoast SEO’s free features.

SEO-Friendly Structure: Ensuring proper heading structures (H1-H3), image alt text, and keyword optimization for better search rankings.

⚠️ Important Note: The AI-optimized SEO setup is limited to on-page elements such as metadata, heading structure, and basic readability improvements via the free version of the Yoast SEO plugin. Advanced SEO strategies, keyword research, content writing, and backlinking are not included unless explicitly stated in the project agreement.

§ 2.1.3. MVP Website Design.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Concept: Developing a functionally sound yet visually appealing website that provides startups with a digital identity.

Scalability & Expansion: Structuring the MVP for future growth, allowing seamless integration of additional features when needed.

Brand Alignment: Ensuring the design reflects the brand’s identity, values, and target audience.

⚠️ Note: An MVP is not a fully finished product but the essential version needed to launch and validate a startup’s digital presence.

§ 2.1.4. Elementor PRO Customization.

Responsive Website Development: Utilizing Elementor PRO’s advanced features for dynamic, interactive, and adaptive layouts.

Custom UI Components: Implementing customized design elements, animations, and engaging interfaces.

Flexible Design Approach: Ensuring the website structure is easily manageable and expandable for future updates.

§ 2.1.5. Performance & Accessibility Considerations.

Mobile Responsiveness: Ensuring seamless functionality across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

Optimized Load Speed: Enhancing performance through optimized images, caching, and lightweight code.

Basic Accessibility Compliance (WCAG): Improving readability, contrast ratios, keyboard navigation, and screen-reader compatibility.

⚠️ Note: Advanced accessibility audits and full WCAG compliance require additional customization and are not part of the standard package unless specified in the contract.

§ 2.2. Scope of Graphic Design Work.

I provide professional graphic design services tailored to branding and digital presence. These services ensure a cohesive and visually compelling identity for businesses and startups. The scope of my graphic design work includes the following:

§ 2.2.1. Corporate Identity & Brand Development.

I provide partial and initial Corporate Identity (CI), Corporate Design (CD), and Brand Guidelines, serving as a foundation for future in-house use or further development by specialized professionals. My services include:

Basic Corporate Identity (CI) & Corporate Design (CD): Establishing core visual identity elements, including typography, color schemes, and basic design principles to ensure a cohesive brand presence.

Initial Brand Guidelines: Creating a starting framework for brand consistency, including basic logo usage rules, typography, and color palettes.

Preliminary Logo Guidelines: Providing logo variations, spacing rules, and usage examples to ensure proper application across digital and print media.

⚠️ Note: These guidelines serve as an initial reference and are not a fully developed CI/CD package. Businesses may further refine and expand these elements with branding professionals as their company grows.

§ 2.2.2. Visual Design & Graphic Enhancements.

Photo Editing & Retouching: Enhancement and optimization of images for professional use in marketing, websites, and promotional materials.

Custom Icon & Logo Design: Design of unique, high-quality icons and logos that align with the brand’s identity.

Template & Pattern Design: Creation of reusable design templates for various applications, such as presentations, email newsletters, and social media content.

§ 2.2.3. Web & Presentation Design Elements.

Favicon Creation: Design of recognizable and professional favicons for web browser branding.

PowerPoint Slide Design: Development of visually engaging slide decks for professional presentations.

§ 2.2.4. Important Notes.

⚠️ Graphic design work is a separate service and is not included in standard web development projects unless explicitly agreed upon in the contract.

⚠️ Stock images, fonts, and third-party design assets may require separate licensing, which must be handled by the client unless otherwise specified in the agreement.

§ 2.3. Scope of Social Media Strategy & Content Management Work.

I offer social media strategy and content management services to help businesses establish, grow, and manage their online presence across various platforms. These services aim to enhance brand visibility, engagement, and consistency while ensuring effective content distribution.

§ 2.3.1. Social Media Platform Strategy.

I support content planning and branding strategies across multiple platforms, including but not limited to:

  • Facebook/Meta
  • Instagram
  • Twitter/X
  • YouTube
  • Snapchat
  • Threads
  • TikTok

Each platform requires a tailored approach to optimize reach and engagement. My strategy focuses on storytelling, content scheduling, and audience engagement techniques to align with business objectives.

§ 2.3.2. Story & Feed Strategy.

Visual Consistency: Structuring visually cohesive content for both stories and feed posts.

Engagement Optimization: Planning interactive content, such as polls, Q&As, and audience engagement posts.

Content Calendar Management: Organizing strategic post scheduling to maintain a consistent online presence.

§ 2.3.3. Template & Pattern Design.

Branded Story & Post Templates: Designing custom templates that enhance brand consistency across posts.

Visual Identity Alignment: Ensuring that all social media designs align with brand guidelines and content tone.

Reusable Graphic Assets: Creating structured visual components that streamline content creation for businesses.

§ 2.3.4. Content Creation & Editing.

Photo & Video Capture: Shooting high-quality visual content for organic and promotional use.

Media Editing & Enhancement: Editing and retouching images/videos to fit platform-specific requirements.

Repurposing Existing Content: Optimizing past content for reposting, cross-platform sharing, and engagement boosting.

§ 2.3.5. Content Management & Scheduling.

Post Optimization: Writing, structuring, and formatting captions, hashtags, and metadata for improved engagement.

Automated Posting Schedules: Using scheduling tools to ensure consistent and timely content distribution.

Performance Monitoring: Tracking engagement metrics to adjust and refine content strategies over time.

§ 2.3.6. Copywriting & Post Editing.

Content Refinement: Polishing social media captions, post descriptions, and long-form content.

Brand Tone Consistency: Ensuring that the writing style aligns with brand identity and audience expectations.

SEO & Keyword Optimization: Implementing basic SEO principles where applicable for increased content discoverability.

§ 2.3.7. Important Notes.

⚠️ Social media strategy and content management are separate services and are not included in standard website creation projects unless explicitly stated in the service agreement.

⚠️ Advanced social media marketing services, such as paid advertising campaigns, influencer partnerships, and social media analytics, are not included in the base package but can be arranged as additional services.

§ 3. MVP Webpage Creation.

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) webpage is not a finished product but represents the minimum a startup needs to establish a digital identity and footprint to attract initial customers or clients. The usage of online materials like pictures, videos, and icons provided by companies such as Adobe Stock are to be licensed by the clients after the launch.

§ 4. Project Structure.

§ 4.1. Project Timeline.

Standard Timeline: The estimated duration for MVP-1 is 4-6 weeks with up to a 2-week buffer.

Extended Timelines: Unforeseen circumstances may extend the project to 3 months if necessary.

§ 4.2. Limitation of Liability.

I am not responsible for delays caused by factors beyond my control, such as delays in client feedback or third-party services.

§ 4.3. Post-Launch Support.

I offer post-launch support for a period of one month to address any immediate technical issues.

§ 5. Appointment Scheduling.

I offer flexible appointment scheduling options for consultations, project updates, and reviews. The structure of my appointment scheduling services is outlined below.

§ 5.1. Initial Consultation.

Advisory appointments of up to one hour are provided free of charge for initial discussions regarding project scope and feasibility.

Any additional pre-contract consultation beyond the initial free hour will be charged separately.

§ 5.2. Pre-Contract Appointments.

Any subsequent meetings before a contract is finalized will be subject to additional charges.

Charges apply to in-depth consultations, strategy discussions, and project planning outside of the free initial consultation.

§ 5.3. Ongoing Project Reviews.

Clients are entitled to one free one-hour video call per week during the active project phase for review and updates.

Additional review sessions beyond the allocated weekly free call may be subject to extra fees based on the project agreement.

§ 5.4. On-Site Meetings.

All on-site meetings are billed separately, covering travel, time, and meeting duration.

Each started hour for an on-site consultation will be charged in full.

§ 5.5. Appointment Scheduling Methods.

Clients can schedule appointments using the following methods:

  • In-person appointments (location-based availability)
  • By phone (scheduled calls for discussions)
  • Online meetings (video conferencing through agreed platforms)

⚠️ Note: Scheduled meetings are binding. Cancellations or rescheduling must be communicated at least 24 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees.

§ 6. Service Providers.

I may employ third-party companies and individuals for the following reasons:

  • To facilitate my service;
  • To provide the service on my behalf;
  • To perform service-related tasks;
  • To assist me in analyzing how my service is used.

These third parties have access to your personal information to perform the tasks assigned to them on my behalf. However, they are obligated not to disclose or use the information for any other purpose.

§ 7. Rights.

§ 7.1. Intellectual Property Rights.

Upon full payment, all rights, including intellectual property rights, are transferred to the client.

§ 8. Data Protection.

I take data protection and privacy seriously. The collection, processing, and storage of personal data comply with German and European data protection laws. The details of data handling are outlined below.

§ 8.1. Processing of Personal Data.

Personal data collected from clients will be used exclusively for the execution and fulfillment of the contractual agreement.

Data processing includes, but is not limited to, communication, invoicing, project management, and service delivery.

I ensure that personal data is handled securely and is not shared with third parties unless required for service execution (see § 10.2).

§ 8.2. Use of Third-Party Service Providers.

I may engage third-party service providers for tasks such as website hosting, email services, invoicing, and project management tools.

These service providers have limited access to personal data, only to the extent necessary to fulfill contractual obligations.

Third parties are legally bound by confidentiality agreements and must comply with data protection regulations.

§ 8.3. Data Retention & Storage.

Personal data is stored only for as long as necessary to meet contractual, legal, or operational requirements.

Invoices and business records are retained in accordance with German tax and commercial laws.

Upon request, clients can request data deletion if legal retention requirements do not prevent it.

§ 8.4. Rights of Clients Regarding Their Data.

Clients have the right to:

  • Request access to their stored personal data.
  • Request correction, restriction, or deletion of their data.
  • Withdraw consent for data processing at any time (if not required by law).

Requests regarding personal data can be made via email at contact@filipelinhares.de.

§ 8.5. Further Information on Data Protection.

  • Detailed information about data processing, security measures, and rights is provided in the Privacy Policy (Datenschutzerklärung) available on my website.
  • Any changes to data protection policies will be communicated transparently via updates on the website or email notifications.

⚠️ Note: By engaging in my services, clients acknowledge and agree to the data processing practices outlined above.

§ 9. Changes to Terms and Conditions.

I may update my terms and conditions from time to time. I advise you to review this page periodically for any changes. I will notify you of any changes by posting the new terms and conditions on this page or via newsletters per email. These changes are effective immediately upon posting.

§ 10. Children's Policy.

My services do not address anyone under the age of 16. I do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 16. In the case I discover that a child under 16 has provided me with personal information, I will immediately delete this from my servers. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided me with personal information, please contact me so that I can take necessary actions.

§ 11. Partial Invalidity of Provisions (Severability Clause).

§ 11.1. Validity of Remaining Provisions.

If any clause within these terms and conditions is deemed legally invalid, unenforceable, or void, the remainder of the contract remains unaffected and continues to be binding.

The invalid provision will not affect the enforceability or validity of the other provisions.

§ 11.2. Replacement of Invalid Provisions.

In cases where a provision is declared invalid, the parties will replace it with a legally permissible clause that aligns as closely as possible with the original intent and economic purpose of the contract.

If no mutual agreement can be reached, the replacement provision will be determined in accordance with applicable German law.

§ 12.3. Interpretation of the Contract.

  • The interpretation of these Terms and Conditions should always seek to preserve the original business purpose of the agreement.
  • Courts or legal authorities interpreting any invalid clause should aim to achieve the closest possible outcome that aligns with the original contractual obligations and rights of both parties.

⚠️ Note: The severability clause ensures that minor legal irregularities do not invalidate the entire agreement, thereby protecting both parties’ contractual rights and obligations.

§ 13. Jurisdiction.

§ 13.1. Governing Law.

This agreement is governed by the laws of Germany, with the European Union’s regulations applicable where necessary.

If you have any questions or suggestions about my terms and conditions, do not hesitate to contact me via email: contact@filipelinhares.de.

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Specialist for Startup

I improve your Startup Business App Ideas
through design & IT-Strategy.

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