Question 1

Can either party cancel the contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the contract includes a termination clause. Your contract should state how much notice is required to cancel, what happens to work completed to date, whether the deposit is refundable, and what the client owes for work already delivered. A common approach is: either party may terminate with 14 days' written notice; the client pays for all work completed up to the termination date; and the deposit is non-refundable unless the mobile developer is in breach. Tailor the terms to your business and seek legal advice if the sums involved are significant.

Question 2

Is an electronic signature legally binding?

Accepted Answer

In most jurisdictions, yes. The UK Electronic Communications Act 2000, the US ESIGN Act, the EU eIDAS Regulation, and equivalent legislation in many other countries recognise electronic signatures as legally binding for most commercial contracts. Tools such as DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or even a typed name in an email confirming agreement are generally sufficient. However, some document types (such as deeds, wills, or land transfers) require wet signatures. For a standard mobile developer services contract, an e-signature is almost always acceptable. Confirm with a solicitor if you are unsure for your jurisdiction.

Question 3

What if the client disputes the work?

Accepted Answer

Your contract should include a dispute resolution clause. A typical approach is: first, the parties attempt to resolve the dispute informally within a specified period (say, 14 days); if that fails, the matter goes to mediation before any legal action. Some contracts specify which courts have jurisdiction and which country's law governs. These clauses do not prevent disputes, but they make resolution cheaper and faster. Keep records of all communications, approved revisions, and milestone sign-offs throughout the project: these are your evidence if a dispute escalates.

Question 4

Is this template valid in the UK, US, or South Africa?

Accepted Answer

This template is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contract law differs between countries and even between states or provinces within a country. What is standard or enforceable in one jurisdiction may not be in another. Before relying on this template for any real project, have a qualified solicitor or attorney in your jurisdiction review and adapt it. Tidybill does not guarantee that this template is suitable for any particular situation or enforceable in any particular jurisdiction.

Question 5

How many revision rounds should I include in a mobile developer contract?

Accepted Answer

Most mobile developers include two to three rounds of revisions in the base fee. A revision round is typically defined as one consolidated set of feedback, not a series of individual requests sent piecemeal. Define "revision" specifically in your contract: what counts as a revision, what counts as a new deliverable, and what you charge for additional rounds. Being specific here prevents misunderstandings and protects your time. Some mobile developers charge a flat fee per additional round; others bill at their hourly rate.

Question 6

Should the contract specify a governing law?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A governing law clause states which country's or state's law applies to the contract and which courts have jurisdiction if there is a dispute. For most freelance and small business contracts, this is the mobile developer's home jurisdiction. Clients in other countries may push back, but it is generally in your interest to use your own jurisdiction. Without a governing law clause, both parties may disagree about which rules apply, making any dispute significantly more complicated and expensive to resolve.

Service	Typical Rate	Unit
Mobile app development (hourly)	80	hour
iOS app build (MVP)	10000	project
Android app build (MVP)	10000	project
Cross-platform app (React Native/Flutter)	12000	project
App store submission and setup	400	project
Monthly maintenance and updates	600	month

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