Shopify Developer Freelance Contract UK | E-commerce Development Agreement
Freelance Shopify developers face a specific risk when taking on e-commerce projects: scope creep, delayed payments, and disputes over who owns the finished store. Without a written contract, you have no clear record of what was agreed, leaving you exposed if a client disputes your invoice or claims ownership of custom theme code you built. A properly drafted Shopify developer freelance contract sets out the project scope, payment schedule, intellectual property assignment, and IR35 status under Chapter 10 of ITEPA 2003. It also protects your right to statutory interest on late invoices under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998. Whether you are building a new store, migrating platforms, or developing custom Shopify apps, having the right contract in place protects both parties from day one. Generate yours now.
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Key clauses in a Freelance Contract
Intellectual Property Ownership
This clause defines who owns the custom theme code, app integrations, and design assets created during the project. Under UK copyright law, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 automatically vests copyright in the creator, so without an explicit written assignment, the client may not legally own the code they paid for.
Project Scope and Deliverables
This clause lists exactly what the developer will build, including specific Shopify features, third-party integrations, and page templates, along with what falls outside the agreed work. A defined scope gives both parties a clear reference point if the client later requests additional functionality, allowing you to raise a change order rather than absorbing unpaid work.
Payment Terms and Late Fees
This clause sets the payment schedule, invoice dates, and the rate of statutory interest that applies if the client pays late. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998, business-to-business contracts carry an automatic right to 8% above the Bank of England base rate on overdue invoices, and your contract should explicitly reference this to remove any ambiguity.
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Generate free →Frequently asked questions
Does a Shopify freelance contract affect my IR35 status?
A written contract is one of the factors HMRC considers when assessing IR35 status under Chapter 10 of ITEPA 2003, but it is not the only one. The contract must reflect the actual working relationship, covering substitution rights, control over how work is done, and financial risk, otherwise HMRC can look past the written terms to the real-world arrangement. A contract that accurately documents a genuinely self-employed engagement strengthens your position in any IR35 review.
Who owns the Shopify theme code after the project is complete?
Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, copyright in original code belongs to the person who created it unless it is assigned in writing. This means a client does not automatically own custom theme files or app code simply by paying for them. Your contract should include an explicit intellectual property assignment clause that transfers ownership to the client only upon receipt of full payment.
Can I charge interest if a client pays my Shopify development invoice late?
Yes. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998, you are entitled to charge statutory interest at 8% over the Bank of England base rate on overdue business-to-business invoices, plus a fixed debt recovery charge of between £40 and £100 depending on the invoice value. Your contract should state the agreed payment due date clearly so there is no dispute about when the debt becomes overdue.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contracto generates AI-assisted contract templates — they are not a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor. For high-value or complex engagements, always seek independent legal review.