Terms of Service

Last updated: 23 February 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern all engagements between Quirzy Studio and its clients. By commissioning any work from us - whether through a signed proposal, email confirmation, or payment of a deposit - you ("the Client") agree to these Terms in full. Please read them carefully before engaging our services.

1. Who We Are

Quirzy Studio ("we", "us", "our", "the Studio") is a digital design and development studio based in London, United Kingdom. We specialise in creating high-performance websites, ecommerce stores, custom software, and automation systems for ambitious brands. Our registered correspondence address is London, UK. For enquiries regarding these Terms, contact us at [email protected].

2. Definitions

Throughout these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Project" means any engagement for design, development, or related services governed by a Statement of Work.
• "Statement of Work" (SOW) means the written proposal, quote, or project brief issued by the Studio that describes deliverables, timeline, fees, and any project-specific terms.
• "Deliverables" means all work product created by the Studio for the Client as part of a Project, including but not limited to designs, source code, assets, documentation, and deployed systems.
• "Studio Tools" means any pre-existing code libraries, components, frameworks, templates, or processes owned by the Studio that are used across multiple projects and were not created exclusively for the Client.
• "Launch" means the point at which a website, application, or system is deployed to its production environment and made accessible to end users.
• "Warranty Period" means the 30-day period immediately following Launch during which the Studio will remedy defects at no additional cost.
• "Business Day" means Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in England and Wales.

3. Scope of Services

Quirzy Studio offers five core service categories:

The specific scope, features, and deliverables for each Project are defined in the SOW. Prices listed above are indicative starting points; final pricing depends on project complexity, scope, and requirements. Any work not explicitly described in the SOW is out of scope and may incur additional fees.

4. Service-Specific Terms

In addition to these general Terms, the following provisions apply to specific service categories:

4.1 Landing Pages

• Deliverable is a single-page website designed and built from scratch to the Client's brief.
• Includes basic on-page SEO (meta titles, descriptions, Open Graph tags, semantic HTML). Does not include ongoing SEO campaigns, keyword research, or link building.
• Copywriting assistance covers headline and body copy for the landing page only. The Client must provide all factual information, product details, and brand messaging inputs.
• Speed optimisation targets a Lighthouse performance score of 90+ on desktop. Results may vary depending on hosting environment and third-party scripts added post-launch.
• Contact forms or CTA functionality will be connected to the Client's specified email address or CRM. Complex integrations (e.g., multi-step forms, conditional logic, API-connected pipelines) may be quoted separately.

4.2 Business Websites

• The base package covers up to 5 distinct pages (e.g., Home, About, Services, Portfolio/Work, Contact). Additional pages are quoted at £150–£350 per page depending on complexity.
• CMS integration is included using one of our supported platforms (WordPress, Webflow, or equivalent). The choice of CMS is agreed upon during the proposal stage. Switching CMS platform after development has begun constitutes a scope change and will be re-quoted.
• Analytics setup includes Google Analytics 4 (or equivalent) installation and basic event tracking. Custom dashboards, conversion funnels, and advanced tracking configurations are available as add-ons.
• Responsive design covers desktop, tablet, and mobile breakpoints. We test across the latest versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. We do not support Internet Explorer.
• SEO includes on-page optimisation, structured data markup, XML sitemap generation, and robots.txt configuration. Ongoing SEO management is not included.

4.3 Ecommerce Stores

• Ecommerce builds are delivered on Shopify unless otherwise agreed in the SOW. Alternative platforms (WooCommerce, custom builds) are available and quoted on a per-project basis.
• Payment gateway integration covers setup and configuration of the Client's chosen provider (Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments, etc.). The Client is responsible for merchant account applications, compliance documentation, and any transaction fees charged by the payment provider.
• Product catalogue setup includes the creation of product templates and initial upload of up to 25 products. Bulk product migration (beyond 25 items) is quoted separately based on catalogue size and data complexity.
• The Client is solely responsible for PCI DSS compliance, tax configuration (including VAT/sales tax rules), shipping rates, return policies, and all legal requirements applicable to their online store. We will advise where possible but do not provide legal, tax, or compliance assurance.
• Inventory management integration covers connection to a single inventory system. Multi-warehouse, dropshipping, or ERP integrations are scoped and quoted separately.
• Tracking setup includes basic ecommerce conversion tracking (Google Analytics 4, Meta Pixel, or equivalent). Advanced attribution modelling is available as an add-on.

4.4 Custom Software

• Custom software projects are quoted on a per-project basis following a discovery and scoping phase. We may charge a paid discovery fee (credited against the project total if the Client proceeds).
• Our technology stack includes but is not limited to React, Next.js, Node.js, and related modern frameworks. The technology selection is proposed by the Studio based on project requirements and agreed with the Client before development begins.
• All custom software projects include a testing and QA phase. This covers unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT). Performance testing, load testing, and security audits are available as add-ons.
• Deployment includes initial setup on the Client's chosen hosting environment (or our recommended provider). The Studio will provide deployment documentation. Ongoing server maintenance, monitoring, and DevOps are not included unless specified in the SOW.
• Technical documentation covers system architecture overview, API documentation (where applicable), deployment instructions, and a handover guide. User-facing documentation or training materials are quoted separately.
• Custom software projects include a 30-day Warranty Period following deployment. Extended support and maintenance agreements are available and quoted separately.

4.5 Automations

• Automation projects begin with a workflow audit to understand the Client's existing processes, tools, and pain points. The audit findings inform the project scope and proposal.
• Integrations connect the Client's existing tools and platforms (e.g., CRM, email marketing, accounting, project management, payment systems). Each integration is scoped individually; complexity varies based on API availability and data mapping requirements.
• Custom automation flows are built using industry-standard tools and platforms (e.g., Zapier, Make, n8n, or custom code). The choice of platform is agreed upon during the proposal stage.
• The Client is responsible for maintaining active subscriptions and API access to all third-party platforms involved in the automation. If a third-party provider changes their API, pricing, or terms of service, adjustments to the automation may be required at additional cost.
• Training includes a live walkthrough session (up to 1 hour) and written documentation covering how to monitor, troubleshoot, and make basic adjustments to the delivered automations. Additional training sessions are billed at our standard hourly rate.
• The Studio is not liable for data loss, duplication, or corruption caused by incorrect configuration of third-party platforms by the Client, changes to third-party APIs, or actions taken outside the delivered automation workflows.

5. Proposals & Acceptance

• All proposals and quotes issued by the Studio are valid for 30 calendar days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated in the proposal.
• A Project is considered accepted when the Client confirms the proposal in writing (email is sufficient) and pays the deposit specified in the proposal.
• Verbal agreements, meeting notes, and informal messages do not constitute acceptance of a proposal or modification to the SOW unless subsequently confirmed in writing by both parties.
• We reserve the right to decline any Project at our discretion, including after an initial consultation or discovery phase.
• If the Client requests changes to the scope after accepting the proposal, we will issue a change order detailing the impact on timeline and fees. The change order must be approved in writing before the additional work begins.

6. Fees & Payment

6.1 Deposit & Payment Schedule

• A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total Project fee is required before work begins. No work will commence until the deposit has been received.
• The remaining 50% is due upon Project completion, before final files, source code, or access credentials are handed over to the Client.
• For projects exceeding £5,000, we may agree to milestone-based payments as outlined in the SOW (e.g., 40% deposit, 30% at design approval, 30% at launch).

6.2 Currency & Tax

• All fees are quoted in British Pounds Sterling (GBP) unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Fees are exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise. If applicable, VAT will be added at the prevailing rate.
• The Client is responsible for any withholding taxes, currency conversion fees, or bank transfer charges applicable in their jurisdiction.

6.3 Invoicing & Late Payment

• Invoices are payable within 14 calendar days of issue.
• We accept payment via bank transfer (BACS/Faster Payments), Stripe, or PayPal. Other methods may be accommodated by prior arrangement.
• Late payments incur interest at 4% above the Bank of England base rate per annum, calculated daily from the due date until payment is received in full, in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
• If payment remains outstanding for more than 30 days, we reserve the right to suspend all work on the Project and revoke access to any staging environments, previews, or draft deliverables until the balance is cleared.
• We reserve the right to engage a debt recovery agency for outstanding invoices. The Client agrees to bear all reasonable recovery costs.

6.4 Additional Costs

• Additional revision rounds beyond those specified in the SOW are billed at £95 per hour.
• Out-of-scope work requested by the Client will be quoted separately via a change order before work begins.
• Third-party costs (stock photography, premium plugins, font licences, hosting fees, domain registration, SSL certificates, platform subscriptions) are the Client's responsibility unless explicitly included in the SOW.
• Rush fees of 25% may apply to projects requiring delivery significantly faster than standard timelines, at the Studio's discretion.

7. Project Timeline & Delivery

• Estimated timelines are provided in the SOW and are based on the assumption that the Client will meet their responsibilities (content delivery, feedback, approvals) within the timeframes agreed.
• Timelines are not guaranteed unless explicitly stated as a fixed deadline in the SOW. Delays caused by the Client - including but not limited to late content delivery, delayed feedback, scope changes, or unavailability of the Client's point of contact - will extend the timeline proportionally.
• If Client-caused delays exceed 30 calendar days in aggregate, we reserve the right to re-schedule the Project based on our availability, which may result in a later delivery date than originally estimated.
• We will notify the Client promptly if any Studio-side delays are anticipated and will work to minimise their impact on the overall timeline.
• A Project is considered "delivered" when the final deliverables have been deployed to the production environment (for websites/software) or when all agreed automation workflows are live and documented (for automation projects), and the Client has been notified in writing.

8. Client Responsibilities

The success of every Project depends on timely and active participation from the Client. The Client agrees to:

• Provide all necessary content (text, images, videos, logos, brand guidelines) in agreed formats and by agreed deadlines. We can supply content templates and specifications upon request.
• Designate a single point of contact with authority to provide feedback, make decisions, and approve deliverables on behalf of the Client's organisation.
• Respond to feedback requests, design reviews, and approval requests within 5 Business Days unless a different timeframe is agreed in the SOW.
• Provide timely access to all required accounts, platforms, and credentials (hosting, domain registrar, CMS, payment gateways, analytics, social media, third-party APIs) needed for the Project.
• Ensure that all materials, content, and assets provided to the Studio do not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights, trademarks, or applicable laws.
• Review and test deliverables during the UAT phase (where applicable) and communicate any issues clearly and in writing.
• Take responsibility for backing up existing website data and content before we begin migration or rebuild work. While we take precautions, we are not liable for data loss during migration from legacy systems.

9. Revisions & Approvals

9.1 Revision Rounds

• Each Project includes the number of revision rounds specified in the SOW (typically two for Landing Pages and Business Websites).
• A "revision round" is a single consolidated batch of feedback submitted together. Piecemeal feedback sent across multiple messages over several days counts as one revision round once the Client confirms the round is complete.
• Revision requests must be clear, specific, and actionable. Subjective feedback (e.g., "make it pop") will require a clarification discussion and may count toward the revision allocation if it leads to substantial rework.
• Additional revision rounds beyond the agreed allocation are billed at £95 per hour, quoted in advance and approved by the Client before work proceeds.

9.2 Approval Process

• At key milestones (e.g., wireframes, design concepts, development staging), we will present deliverables for the Client's review and written approval.
• Written approval (email confirmation is sufficient) at each stage authorises us to proceed to the next phase. Requesting changes to previously approved work constitutes a new revision round or scope change and may incur additional fees.
• If the Client does not respond to a review request within 14 calendar days, the deliverable is deemed approved, and we will proceed to the next phase.

9.3 Design Fidelity

Approved designs are implemented as faithfully as possible in development. Minor rendering differences between design mockups and the live build (due to browser rendering, font rendering, or responsive behaviour) are expected and do not constitute defects.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Before Final Payment

All Deliverables - including designs, source code, assets, documentation, and deployed systems - remain the sole intellectual property of Quirzy Studio until the Client has paid all outstanding fees in full.

10.2 After Final Payment

Upon receipt of full and final payment, ownership of all bespoke Deliverables created exclusively for the Client transfers to the Client. This includes custom designs, bespoke code, and project-specific assets.

10.3 Studio Tools

Ownership of Studio Tools does not transfer to the Client. Studio Tools include but are not limited to: reusable code components, animation libraries, build scripts, boilerplate templates, internal frameworks, and development tooling. The Client receives a perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty-free licence to use Studio Tools solely as part of their delivered Project. The Client may not extract, resell, sublicence, or redistribute Studio Tools independently.

10.4 Third-Party Assets

Licences for stock images, fonts, icons, plugins, themes, or other third-party assets are the Client's responsibility unless we have explicitly agreed to source and licence them on the Client's behalf (in which case the cost will be included in or added to the SOW). The Client must comply with all applicable third-party licence terms.

10.5 Portfolio & Showcase Rights

The Studio retains the right to showcase completed work in our portfolio, case studies, social media, award submissions, and marketing materials. This includes screenshots, descriptions, and links to the live project. If the Client requires confidentiality, they must notify us in writing before the Project begins, and we will agree on the scope of any restrictions.

10.6 Open-Source Software

Projects may incorporate open-source software libraries and frameworks (e.g., React, Next.js, WordPress, WooCommerce). These components are subject to their respective open-source licences (MIT, GPL, Apache, etc.). We will inform the Client of any copyleft licences (e.g., GPL) that may impose obligations on the Client's use of the Deliverables.

11. Third-Party Platforms & Licences

• WordPress: If the Project is built on WordPress, the Client is responsible for maintaining their WordPress installation, including core updates, plugin updates, theme updates, and security patches post-launch. We are not liable for vulnerabilities or issues arising from outdated software.
• Webflow: If the Project is built on Webflow, the Client must maintain an active Webflow subscription at the appropriate plan level. Changes to Webflow's pricing, features, or platform capabilities are beyond our control.
• Shopify: If the Project is built on Shopify, the Client must maintain an active Shopify subscription. The Client is responsible for Shopify's transaction fees, app subscription costs, and compliance with Shopify's Acceptable Use Policy.
• Next.js / React: Projects built with Next.js or React require a suitable hosting environment (e.g., Vercel, Netlify, AWS, or equivalent). The Studio will recommend and assist with initial deployment, but the Client is responsible for ongoing hosting costs and infrastructure management.
• Automation platforms: Automation projects may use tools such as Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), n8n, or custom integrations. The Client must maintain active subscriptions to all required platforms and is responsible for usage-based costs that may increase as their business scales.

In all cases, the Studio is not liable for service disruptions, feature changes, price increases, or policy changes made by third-party platform providers.

12. Hosting, Domains & Infrastructure

• Unless explicitly included in the SOW, hosting, domain registration, SSL certificates, CDN services, email hosting, and any ongoing infrastructure costs are the Client's responsibility.
• We are happy to recommend hosting providers and assist with initial server configuration and deployment as part of the Project.
• The Client is responsible for maintaining their hosting environment post-launch, including server uptime, backups, security updates, and performance monitoring.
• If the Client requests that we manage hosting on their behalf, this will be covered by a separate Hosting & Maintenance agreement with its own terms and fees.
• Domain names must be registered in the Client's name and under their account. We will never register domains on our own account on behalf of the Client.

13. Post-Launch Support & Warranty

13.1 Warranty Period

• All Projects include a 30-day Warranty Period following Launch.
• During the Warranty Period, we will fix - at no additional cost - any bugs, defects, or functional issues in the Deliverables that are directly attributable to our work and are reported by the Client in writing.
• The warranty covers issues such as: broken layouts, non-functioning forms, incorrect responsive behaviour, broken links within the delivered site, and JavaScript errors in our custom code.

13.2 Warranty Exclusions

The warranty does not cover:

• Issues caused by modifications made by the Client or third parties after Launch.
• Problems arising from the Client's hosting environment, server configuration, or infrastructure.
• Compatibility issues with browsers or devices not specified in the original scope.
• Issues caused by third-party plugin updates, platform changes, or API modifications.
• Content changes, additions, or updates requested after Launch (these are new work and quoted separately).
• Performance degradation caused by third-party scripts, plugins, or content added post-launch by the Client.

13.3 Ongoing Support

After the Warranty Period, ongoing support, maintenance, and updates are available under a separate retainer or ad-hoc arrangement. Ad-hoc support is billed at £95 per hour with a minimum charge of 1 hour. Retainer packages are available for clients requiring regular ongoing work.

14. Confidentiality

• Both parties agree to keep confidential any proprietary or sensitive information disclosed during the Project. This includes but is not limited to: business strategies, financial information, unreleased product details, technical architecture, access credentials, customer data, and trade secrets.
• Confidential information may only be disclosed to employees, contractors, or agents who need access to perform their role in the Project and who are bound by equivalent confidentiality obligations.
• This obligation does not apply to information that: (a) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving party; (b) was known to the receiving party prior to disclosure; (c) is independently developed without reference to the disclosing party's information; or (d) is required to be disclosed by law, regulation, or court order.
• This confidentiality obligation survives the termination of the engagement and remains in effect for 2 years after Project completion.

15. Data Protection & GDPR

• To the extent that we process personal data on behalf of the Client during a Project, we will do so in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• The Client remains the data controller for any personal data collected through their website or systems. The Studio acts as a data processor only where necessary to deliver the Project (e.g., setting up contact forms, configuring analytics, migrating customer data).
• We will not access, use, or store the Client's customer data beyond what is strictly necessary for the Project. Any personal data handled during the Project will be deleted from our systems within 30 days of Project completion unless the Client instructs otherwise.
• If the Project involves collecting personal data from end users (e.g., contact forms, newsletter signups, ecommerce transactions), it is the Client's responsibility to ensure that appropriate privacy notices, cookie consent mechanisms, and data processing agreements are in place.
• We can advise on and implement technical measures (cookie banners, consent management, privacy policy pages) as part of the Project scope, but we do not provide legal advice on GDPR compliance. The Client should consult a qualified legal professional for compliance assurance.

16. Project Cancellation & Suspension

16.1 Cancellation by the Client

• The Client may cancel a Project at any time by providing written notice to the Studio.
• The deposit is non-refundable in all cases.
• If cancellation occurs after the deposit stage, the Client is liable for all work completed up to the date of cancellation, calculated at our standard hourly rate (£95/hour). If this amount exceeds the deposit already paid, the difference is due within 14 days of the cancellation notice.
• Upon cancellation, no Deliverables (including work-in-progress designs, code, or assets) will be transferred to the Client unless all outstanding fees have been paid in full.

16.2 Cancellation by the Studio

We reserve the right to cancel or suspend a Project if:

• The Client fails to respond to communications for 30 or more consecutive calendar days.
• The Client fails to pay an invoice within 30 days of the due date.
• The Client materially breaches these Terms or the SOW.
• The Client engages in abusive, threatening, or otherwise unacceptable conduct toward Studio staff.
• Circumstances arise that make continued collaboration untenable in the Studio's reasonable judgement.

In the event of Studio-initiated cancellation due to Client breach, all fees for work completed remain due and no refunds will be issued.

16.3 Dormant Projects

If a Project stalls due to Client inactivity for 60 or more calendar days (i.e., no feedback, no content delivery, no communication), we may classify the Project as dormant and archive it. Reactivating a dormant Project is subject to Studio availability, may require a re-scoping phase, and may incur a reactivation fee of up to 15% of the original Project fee to cover the cost of re-onboarding.

17. Limitation of Liability

• We warrant that all work will be produced with reasonable skill and care, consistent with generally accepted industry standards.
• We do not guarantee specific business outcomes, including but not limited to: search engine rankings, conversion rates, revenue targets, traffic volumes, or return on investment.
• Our total aggregate liability for any and all claims arising from or related to a Project - whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise - is limited to the total fees actually paid by the Client for that Project.
• We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to: lost profits, lost revenue, lost data, business interruption, loss of goodwill, or cost of substitute services, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
• We are not liable for any losses arising from the Client's failure to maintain backups, apply security updates, or follow our recommendations regarding hosting, infrastructure, or platform maintenance.
• Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law.

18. Indemnification

The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Quirzy Studio, its directors, employees, and contractors from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

• Content, materials, or assets provided by the Client that infringe third-party intellectual property rights.
• The Client's use of the Deliverables in a manner not contemplated by the SOW or these Terms.
• The Client's failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or third-party platform terms of service (including but not limited to GDPR, PCI DSS, consumer protection, and ecommerce regulations).
• Claims by the Client's end users, customers, or any third party arising from the Client's website, application, or online store.

19. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for delays or failure to perform obligations caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control. Force majeure events include but are not limited to: natural disasters, pandemics or epidemics, government actions or orders, war or terrorism, internet or telecommunications outages, cyberattacks, utility failures, and strikes or labour disputes. The affected party must notify the other party promptly and take reasonable steps to mitigate the impact. If a force majeure event persists for more than 60 days, either party may terminate the Project by written notice.

20. Non-Solicitation

During the term of a Project and for 12 months following its completion, neither party shall directly solicit or attempt to hire employees or contractors of the other party who were involved in the Project, without that party's prior written consent. This does not apply to individuals who respond to general public job advertisements.

21. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute arising from or in connection with these Terms or any Project:

1. Both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation for a period of not less than 30 days.
2. If negotiation fails, both parties agree to attempt mediation through a mutually agreed mediator before pursuing litigation. The costs of mediation will be shared equally.
3. If mediation fails or is not pursued within 60 days of the initial dispute notice, either party may pursue resolution through the courts as specified in Section 22.

22. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any legal proceedings arising from or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

23. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, it shall be severed from these Terms. The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

24. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the applicable SOW, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and the Studio with respect to the subject matter hereof. They supersede all prior or contemporaneous oral or written communications, proposals, and representations with respect to the Project. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and a signed SOW, the SOW shall take precedence to the extent of the inconsistency.

25. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or business practices. Changes do not apply retroactively to Projects already in progress under a signed SOW. The Client will be notified of material changes via email where possible. The latest version of these Terms is always available on this page, and the "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

26. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms or wish to discuss a specific provision before engaging our services, please reach us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Response time: Within 24 hours on Business Days
• Studio: Quirzy Studio, London, United Kingdom