Terms of engagement

Clear terms, plainly written.

These terms explain how projects work — pricing, payment, timelines, and ownership — so we both start with the same expectations.

Last updated: July 2026 · These terms apply to all design work by ZBS (Zero-Bloat Sites) and are confirmed in writing before a project begins.

01 Scope & nature of the practice

ZBS — Zero-Bloat Sites — is an independent, part-time web design practice operated by NinaMaria Collier and based in Philadelphia, PA. It is run alongside full-time employment, so work is scheduled around that commitment — typically evenings and weekends — and taken on a limited, by-referral basis. Each project is defined by the package and any add-ons agreed in writing.

02 Quotes & pricing

Package prices ($200, $300, and $600) are flat for the scope described on the services page. Anything beyond that scope — extra pages, larger catalogs, or custom features — is quoted and approved before work starts. You will never receive a surprise charge on your final invoice.

03 Deposit & payment

  • A 50% deposit is required to reserve your slot and begin work.
  • The remaining 50% balance is due at launch, before the site is transferred or published.
  • Add-ons and approved extra work are added to the final balance.
  • Accepted payment methods are confirmed at booking. Invoices are issued by email.

04 Timelines & scheduling

Estimated timelines — about one week (Essential), two weeks (Professional), and three weeks (Signature) — begin once the deposit is paid and your content has been received. Because ZBS is a part-time practice, dates are good-faith estimates rather than guarantees, and delays in providing content or feedback will move the timeline. Rush scheduling is available as an add-on when capacity allows.

05 Revisions

Each package includes a set number of revision rounds (one for Essential, two for Professional, three for Signature). A round is a consolidated set of feedback returned together. Additional rounds, or changes that expand the agreed scope, are billed at a flat rate agreed in advance.

06 Your responsibilities

  • Provide text, images, and any brand assets in usable form (copywriting help is available as an add-on).
  • Ensure you have the right to use all content you supply.
  • Provide timely access to any existing domain, hosting, or accounts needed.
  • Return feedback within a reasonable window to keep the project on schedule.

07 Third-party costs

Domain registration, hosting, premium plugins, stock imagery, fonts, and payment-processing fees are separate from design fees and are paid by you, either directly to the provider or reimbursed at cost. I'll recommend affordable, reputable options and never mark these up.

08 Ownership & rights

Once the final balance is paid, ownership of the delivered website files and design transfers to you. Third-party components (themes, plugins, fonts, imagery) remain under their own licenses. ZBS may show non-confidential work in its portfolio and mention it as a referral example unless you ask otherwise.

09 Post-launch care

The Signature package includes 30 days of post-launch care for small fixes and adjustments. Beyond that window, ongoing edits are available through the monthly care plan or on a per-request basis. Every project includes a handover walkthrough so you can make simple updates yourself.

10 Cancellations & refunds

If you cancel after work has begun, the deposit covers time already invested and is non-refundable. Any work completed beyond the deposit will be invoiced for the milestones delivered. If ZBS is unable to complete a project, you will receive a refund for any paid amount not yet earned in work.

11 Liability

Websites are delivered on an "as-built" basis to the agreed scope. ZBS is not liable for indirect losses, third-party service outages, or issues arising from changes made by others after handover. Total liability for any claim is limited to the amount paid for the project.

12 Privacy

Information you share is used only to deliver your project and communicate with you. It is never sold or shared, except with service providers strictly necessary to complete the work (for example, hosting). Contact ZBS any time to ask what is held or to have it removed.

13 Contact & governing terms

These terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. Questions about a project or these terms can be sent to:

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