The Shortpay Clause

The Shortpay Clause works like this:

I work in iterations, usually one week to one month long. At the end of each iteration I demonstrate what I have done. At the end of each month I send you an invoice. If, for some reason, you are not satisfied with the results I deliver, you may reduce my pay accordingly.

You do have to provide a written explanation for your decision to invoke the Shortpay Clause, but I do not question your decision, ever. The reason for requiring a written explanation is that I want to know how to improve my services in the future.

To afford me some protection, you need to invoke the Shortpay Clause within one week (seven days) after I have sent the invoice to you. Because I demonstrate my work at the end of each iteration, you will always be in a position to make an informed decision. I do reserve the right to bow out of the project immediately if the clause is invoked (but I haven't done so yet).

The Shortpay Clause protects you. It ensures that you, in your own opinion, get what you pay for. The clause is good for me too. It ensures that I am always doing my very best for my clients, and that I know what to improve if I do not succeed.