MVP Contract: What Should Be Included

A good contract protects both sides and prevents misunderstandings. Here's what should be in yours.

Must-Have Clauses

Scope of Work

• •Detailed feature list with descriptions
• •What's explicitly NOT included
• •Number of revision rounds
• •Change request process and pricing

Timeline

• •Start date and expected completion date
• •Key milestones with dates
• •What happens if deadlines are missed
• •Your response time obligations

Payment Terms

• •Total cost and payment schedule
• •What triggers each payment
• •Late payment terms
• •Refund conditions (if any)

Ownership and IP

• •You own all custom code upon final payment
• •Developer can use generic components elsewhere
• •Third-party licenses are disclosed
• •Source code transfer process

Important Protections

• •Confidentiality clause (they can't share your idea)
• •Non-compete for direct competitors (reasonable scope)
• •Warranty period for bug fixes (30-90 days typical)
• •Liability limits for both parties
• •Termination process and what you get if cancelled

Red Flags in Contracts

• •No scope definition or vague descriptions
• •100% upfront payment required
• •Developer retains code ownership
• •No warranty or support period
• •Non-negotiable on any reasonable terms

Typical Payment Structures