Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By engaging Lockard Design Co. ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") for any services, you ("Client," "you," or "your") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Lockard Design Co. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not engage our services.

These Terms of Service apply to all services provided by Lockard Design Co., including but not limited to web design, search engine optimization (SEO), digital marketing, and website management. Any additional terms agreed upon in a separate written proposal or contract shall supplement these terms. In the event of a conflict, the terms of the signed proposal or contract shall take precedence.

2. Services

Lockard Design Co. provides the following categories of services, each subject to the scope defined in your individual project proposal or service agreement:

• Web Design & Development — Custom website design, website redesigns, landing page creation, and e-commerce development. All deliverables are scoped per project and outlined in your signed proposal.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) — Local SEO, national SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and content strategy services provided on a monthly retainer basis.
• Digital Marketing — Strategic digital marketing services including content creation, conversion optimization, and online growth consulting as defined in your service agreement.
• Website Management — Ongoing website maintenance including software updates, security monitoring, backups, performance optimization, and handling change requests on a monthly retainer basis.

The specific scope, timeline, and deliverables for your engagement will be detailed in your project proposal or service agreement. Work outside the agreed scope may require a separate proposal and additional fees.

3. Client Responsibilities

To ensure timely and successful delivery of services, you agree to the following responsibilities:

• Content & Materials — You are responsible for providing all necessary content, including but not limited to text, images, logos, brand guidelines, and any other materials required for the project.
• Timely Feedback — You agree to review deliverables and provide feedback within seven (7) business days of receipt unless otherwise specified.
• Account Access — You are responsible for providing necessary access to hosting accounts, domain registrars, analytics platforms, and any other third-party services required.
• Accuracy of Information — You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and legality of all content and information provided to us.
• Designated Point of Contact — You agree to designate a single point of contact who has the authority to approve deliverables.

4. Payment Terms

All fees are outlined in your individual project proposal or service agreement. The following general payment terms apply:

Project-Based Work (Web Design & Development)

• A non-refundable deposit of fifty percent (50%) of the total project fee is required before work begins.
• The remaining balance is due upon project completion and prior to the final launch or handoff of deliverables.
• For larger projects, milestone-based payment schedules may be established in your proposal.

Retainer-Based Services (SEO & Website Management)

• Monthly retainer fees are billed at the beginning of each service period.
• Payment is due within fifteen (15) days of the invoice date.
• Retainer services are provided on a month-to-month basis unless a longer commitment is specified.

General Payment Policies

• All invoices are payable in U.S. dollars.
• Late payments are subject to a fee of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance.
• We reserve the right to suspend services on accounts with balances overdue by more than thirty (30) days.
• Any additional work requested outside the original project scope will be quoted separately.

5. Intellectual Property

Client Ownership

Upon receipt of full payment for the completed project, you own all rights to the final deliverables created specifically for your project, including custom designs, custom code, and content created on your behalf.

Company Retained Rights

Lockard Design Co. retains all rights to pre-existing tools, frameworks, code libraries, templates, processes, and general knowledge used in the creation of your deliverables.

We reserve the right to display completed work in our portfolio and marketing materials unless you request otherwise in writing.

Third-Party Assets

Any third-party assets used in your project (such as stock photography, fonts, or plugins) are subject to their respective license agreements.

6. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or sensitive information disclosed during the course of the engagement. This confidentiality obligation survives the termination of the service agreement and remains in effect for a period of two (2) years following the end of the engagement.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Lockard Design Co. shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages. Our total aggregate liability shall not exceed the total amount paid by you in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

8. Termination

Retainer Services

Either party may terminate a retainer-based service agreement by providing thirty (30) days' written notice.

Project-Based Work

If you wish to cancel a project after work has begun, the initial deposit is non-refundable. You are responsible for payment of all work completed up to the date of cancellation.

Termination for Cause

Either party may terminate the agreement immediately upon written notice if the other party materially breaches any provision and fails to cure within fifteen (15) days.

9. Warranties and Disclaimers

Lockard Design Co. warrants that all services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner. However, we make no guarantees regarding specific search engine rankings, traffic volumes, or revenue outcomes.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lockard Design Co. from claims arising out of content provided by you, your breach of these terms, or your violation of any third-party rights.

11. Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.

12. Changes to Terms

Lockard Design Co. reserves the right to update these Terms of Service at any time. For active clients, we will provide notice of material changes via email at least thirty (30) days before they take effect.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: