Terms of Service

Last updated: October 13, 2026

This site is run by The Creative Offices ("I", "me", "my"). These terms cover the plain-language basics of working together. I'm not a lawyer, and for a larger project I'm happy to sign a client-specific agreement that supersedes this page — but this is what applies by default.

Scope of work

Work is agreed on a per-engagement basis, starting with an onboarding call where I tell you plainly what I can take on, what I'd tackle first, and what's outside what I do. See How It Works for the full process, and what I won't do for the professional services I don't provide (legal, tax, medical, or building advice).

Existing agreements

If we already have a billing arrangement in place, it continues exactly as agreed. For example, if I send you a monthly invoice and you pay it yourself, that does not change. The card-on-file billing described below applies to clients who sign up through the onboarding form, and to anyone else who chooses to move to it.

Where these terms and an agreement you already have with me differ, your agreement is the one that applies.

Billing

Work is billed by the hour. There's no monthly retainer and no minimum term: you call, I work, and I bill for the hours used.

Hours worked. If you have a card on file, hours are charged to it on the schedule in the agreement you accepted at sign-up. For new clients that is every Friday, for the work done that week. A receipt is emailed for each charge.

Purchases made on your behalf. When a project needs something bought for you, such as printing or software, I get your approval in writing (by email or text message) before buying it. Approved purchases are charged as needed, at cost plus a 5% handling fee.

Recurring services and subscriptions. Ongoing services such as website hosting and maintenance are charged monthly or annually on their renewal dates, at the rate quoted to you, until they are cancelled (see Cancellation below).

Invoices. If an invoice is issued, whether under an existing arrangement, because a card was declined, or because there is no card on file, it is due on receipt.

Declined cards and unpaid balances. If a charge is declined or an invoice goes unpaid, I reserve the right to pause work and any recurring services until a working card is on file and the balance is paid.

Card on file

When you save a card during onboarding, you authorize The Creative Offices to keep it on file and to charge it for everything described under Billing above. That authorization stays in effect for as long as we work together and until every outstanding balance is paid.

Your card details are entered on, and stored by, Stripe, a payment processor. They never pass through this site, and I only ever see the card type, its last four digits, and its expiration date.

You can replace your card at any time using the link in your welcome email, or ask me and I'll send you a new link. To have a card removed, ask in writing. A card can be removed once all outstanding balances are paid and any recurring services have been cancelled.

If you have a question about a charge, please contact me first. A charge made in error, such as a duplicate, will be corrected.

Cancellation

Hourly work has no retainer and no minimum term, so either of us can stop engaging further work at any time.

Recurring services and subscriptions require 30 days' written notice to cancel. They continue, and remain billable, through the notice period.

On cancellation, everything owed becomes due immediately, including hours already worked, purchases you approved, and any recurring fees outstanding, and may be charged to your card on file.

Refunds

The Creative Offices does not issue refunds. All charges are final, including hours worked, purchases made on your behalf, and recurring fees already charged, whether monthly or annual.

Ownership & deliverables

Once the invoice or charge for a deliverable (a design file, a piece of code, written content) is paid in full, it's yours to use. Until then, deliverables remain my property. I may keep working files and a portfolio-appropriate copy of finished work for my own records and, unless you ask otherwise, for display as sample work.

Liability

I do good work and stand behind it, but I can't guarantee specific business outcomes (sales, rankings, conversions) since those depend on more than design and development alone. My liability for any engagement is limited to the amount paid for that engagement.

Changes

If I change these terms, I'll update the date at the top. Continuing to work together after a change means you accept the updated terms. A change to this page never alters a billing arrangement you already have with me unless we both agree to it.

Contact

Questions about these terms: service@thecreativeoffices.com.