Terms & Conditions
We believe good work starts with clear communication and mutual respect. If you ever have questions or concerns related to working with Peppermill Projects, we encourage you to reach out directly so we can address them thoughtfully.
The following Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) exist to clearly outline expectations, responsibilities, and legal protections for both Peppermill Projects, LLC (“Peppermill”) and its clients (“Client”).
By approving a proposal, estimate, invoice, or statement of work issued by Peppermill (each, a “Proposal”), Client agrees to be bound by these Terms, unless otherwise expressly agreed to in writing in the applicable Proposal. In the event of a conflict, the Proposal shall control.
Peppermill reserves the right to update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time Client approves a Proposal shall govern.
01. Scope of Services
Peppermill will perform the services described in the applicable Proposal. Any services not expressly included are outside the scope of work and may result in additional fees. Pricing is valid for thirty (30) days unless otherwise stated.
02. Fees, Deposits & Payment Terms
- Workshops: 100% payment is due upfront unless otherwise stated.
- Projects: A minimum 50% deposit is required to begin work unless otherwise stated.
- Retainers: Retainers are prepaid monthly.
- Extended Projects: Longer-term work may be billed on a phased schedule as outlined in the Proposal.
Invoices are due within fifteen (15) days unless otherwise stated. Late payments are subject to a 2% monthly service charge.
Peppermill reserves the right to suspend work, withhold deliverables, and delay or prevent the launch of websites or release of final files until all outstanding balances are paid in full. Client is responsible for reasonable costs of collection, including attorneys’ fees.
03. Scope Changes, Revisions & Additional Work
The following are not included unless expressly stated in the Proposal:
- Stock assets, fonts, or third-party licenses
- Hosting, domains, plugins, software, or platform fees
- Printing, production, shipping, or fulfillment
- Copywriting not supplied in usable electronic format
Work requested outside the agreed scope, including additional revisions or changes after approval, is billed at $200/hour with a one-hour minimum. Rush fees may apply at Peppermill’s discretion.
04. Client Delays, Pauses & Termination
If Client delays the project or becomes unresponsive for thirty (30) days or more, Peppermill may invoice Client for all work completed and expenses incurred to date, pause the project, and reassign resources. Any invoiced amounts remain due regardless of whether the project resumes. A 5% restart fee may be required to resume work.
If Client terminates a project prior to completion, Client is responsible for payment of the greater of fees incurred to date or fifty percent (50%) of the Proposal total. If work has been completed, 100% of the final cost is due.
Peppermill may terminate services upon reasonable notice if Client fails to make timely payments, delays progress, or otherwise breaches these Terms.
05. Intellectual Property & Usage Rights
Upon receipt of full payment, Client owns the final deliverables expressly identified in the Proposal. Peppermill retains ownership of all concepts, drafts, unused designs, working files, tools, templates, processes, and methodologies.
Peppermill may display completed work for portfolio and self-promotional purposes and receive a website credit line unless Client requests an opt-out in writing.
Client-supplied materials remain the property of Client.
06. Confidentiality
Peppermill will use reasonable professional care in handling Client information and will not intentionally disclose confidential or proprietary Client information outside the scope of the project. This does not constitute a non-disclosure agreement.
07. Third-Party Platforms & Materials
Peppermill is not responsible for the performance, security, availability, or changes to third-party platforms, hosting providers, software, plugins, or services. Any third-party costs incurred on Client’s behalf are the responsibility of Client.
08. Website Warranty
Peppermill provides a thirty (30) day warranty following website delivery for functionality issues that do not conform to the agreed specifications. This warranty excludes third-party services, updates, or modifications made by Client or others.
Post-warranty support is billed at $200/hour.
09. Client Responsibilities
Client is responsible for timely delivery of materials, accuracy of content, and securing rights to all supplied materials. Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Peppermill from any claims arising from Client-provided materials or Client’s use of the deliverables.
10. No Guarantee of Results
Peppermill makes no guarantees regarding business outcomes, including sales, revenue, leads, rankings, or performance results. Client assumes all responsibility for use of the deliverables.
11. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland. Any disputes shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Maryland.
12. Force Majeure
Peppermill shall not be liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, illness, government action, or technical failures.
13. Entire Agreement
These Terms and the applicable Proposal constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior understandings. Any modifications must be made in writing and agreed to by both parties.
