Terms and Conditions
Website Design & Build Terms and Conditions – update 13th August 2026
1. Definitions
2. Acceptance of TermsIn these Terms and Conditions:
Company “Blue Dolphin” means providing the services.
Client “You” / “Your” means the person, business or organisation purchasing the Services.
“Services” means website design, website development, UX design, content population, technical setup, integrations, testing, migration, optimisation, training, and associated digital services.
“Website” means the website, landing pages, web application, eCommerce store, or digital platform being developed.
“Project” means the agreed scope of work detailed within the quotation, proposal, statement of work, or written agreement.
Acceptance of a quotation, proposal, invoice payment, signed agreement, email instruction to proceed, or payment of deposit constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
These Terms shall govern all Website design and development work unless otherwise agreed in writing.
3. Scope of Work
Services will be delivered in accordance with the agreed quotation or proposal.
The agreed scope may include:
- Website design
- WordPress development
- WooCommerce implementation
- Content migration
- Product uploads
- Contact forms
- CRM integrations
- Payment gateway setup
- SEO fundamentals
- Analytics implementation
- Testing structure is mutually agreed with the client
- Website launch support
Any work outside the agreed scope shall be treated as additional chargeable work.
4. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
- Provide all required content, images, branding assets, logos, login credentials, approvals and technical access in a timely manner.
- Ensure supplied content does not infringe copyright, trademark, data protection, confidentiality or third-party rights
- If Blue Dolphin purchases images on the clients behalf these will be charged for at cost + 10%, if further image manipulation is required the client will be informed in advance of further costs.
- Review deliverables promptly.
- Nominate a single authorised point of contact where appropriate.
- Ensure internal stakeholders provide consolidated feedback.
Delays caused by the Client may impact delivery timescales.
5. Project Timescales
Estimated delivery dates are indicative only unless explicitly stated as fixed deadlines.
Project timelines depend on:
- Timely Client feedback
- Receipt of content/assets
- Access to hosting/platforms
- Third-party provider cooperation
- Scope stability
Where the Client causes delays exceeding 14 days, the Project may be paused and rescheduled.
Where delays exceed 30 days, We reserve the right to invoice for work completed to date.
6. Fees and Payment Terms
Unless otherwise agreed:
- 50% deposit payable before work commences
- 40% payable at development sign-off / pre-launch
- 10% payable upon launch
Invoices are payable within 7 or 14 days (as specified on invoice).
Late payments may result in:
- suspension of work
- withholding launch
- withholding transfer of deliverables
- interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts legislation
All prices are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.
7. Additional Work / Change Requests
Any request outside agreed scope including:
- additional pages
- design revisions beyond allowance
- additional functionality
- plugin changes
- API integrations
- product imports
- custom development
- content writing
- SEO beyond agreed deliverables
shall be quoted separately.
Work may be charged:
- fixed fee
- hourly rate
- day rate
No additional work will commence without approval.
8. Revisions
Unless otherwise agreed:
- one design concept included
- up to two rounds of revisions per design stage
Additional revisions are chargeable.
Revisions must remain within original scope.
Major structural redesign requests may be treated as change requests.
9. Content Supply
Unless content creation is included, the Client is responsible for supplying all final approved content.
We are not responsible for:
- factual inaccuracies
- spelling errors in Client-supplied content
- regulatory compliance of supplied wording
- product/specification accuracy
Content formatting or cleanup beyond reasonable preparation may incur additional charges.
10. Third-Party Software / Plugins / Licences
Projects may rely on third-party software including:
- themes
- plugins
- payment gateways
- APIs
- hosting services
- analytics tools
Unless explicitly included:
- licence renewals are Client responsibility
- ongoing subscription costs are Client responsibility
We are not liable for failures caused by third-party providers.
11. Images, Photography & Visual Content
Where the Client supplies photographs, graphics, logos, illustrations or other visual content (“Images”), the Client warrants that:
- they own the Images or have obtained all necessary licences, permissions and consents for their intended use;
- the Images do not infringe any copyright, trade mark, privacy or other intellectual property rights;
- the Images may lawfully be reproduced, edited, resized and published on the Website and associated marketing materials.
The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any claims, losses, damages, costs or legal expenses arising from the use of Client-supplied Images.
Stock Photography
Where stock photography or licensed images are purchased on behalf of the Client:
- any licence costs will be agreed in advance unless otherwise included within the project quotation;
- image licences remain subject to the terms of the original licensing provider;
- Unless expressly transferred, licences are normally obtained for use on the Client’s Website only and may not permit reuse in printed materials, advertising, social media, merchandise or other media without obtaining the appropriate licence.
AI-Generated Images
Where artificial intelligence (AI) is used to generate images:
- the Company will use commercially available AI image generation services;
- whilst reasonable efforts will be made to produce original content, the Company cannot guarantee that AI-generated images are entirely unique or free from similarity to other generated content;
- the Client is responsible for reviewing and approving all AI-generated imagery before publication;
- where appropriate, the Client should obtain independent legal advice regarding the suitability of AI-generated content for trade mark registration or exclusive commercial use.
Image Editing
The Company may crop, resize, compress, colour-correct or otherwise optimise Images to improve website performance, accessibility and presentation unless the Client specifically instructs otherwise.
Minor alterations required for responsive website layouts shall not require further approval.
Image Quality
The quality of the finished Website depends upon the quality of the Images supplied.
The Company is not responsible for poor image quality resulting from low-resolution, blurred, compressed or otherwise unsuitable source material supplied by the Client.
Additional image enhancement, restoration, retouching or photography services may incur additional charges.
Copyright
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- copyright in Client-supplied Images remains with the Client or the original copyright owner;
- copyright in stock photography remains with the relevant licensing provider;
- copyright in photographs taken by the Company remains with the Company unless expressly assigned;
- the Client receives a licence to use such photographs for the agreed project and Website.
Approval
The Client is responsible for reviewing and approving all Images before the Website goes live.
Once approved and published, the Company accepts no responsibility for factual inaccuracies, branding issues, copyright concerns or other matters relating to approved Images.
12. Hosting and Domain Names
Unless specifically included:
- hosting is not included
- domain registration is not included
- SSL certificates are not included
Where We assist with setup:
- ownership remains with the Client where agreed
- third-party provider terms apply
We are not liable for hosting outages, DNS propagation delays, registrar failures or infrastructure issues outside our control.
13. Browser / Device Compatibility
Websites will be developed for reasonable compatibility with modern supported browsers.
This typically includes current versions of:
- Chrome
- Edge
- Safari
- Firefox
Legacy browser support is excluded unless agreed.
Minor rendering differences between browsers/devices do not constitute defects.
14. Mobile Responsiveness
Responsive behaviour will be designed for standard device classes.
Exact pixel-identical rendering across all devices is not guaranteed.
15. Launch / Go Live
Launch timing depends on:
- payment clearance
- approvals
- hosting readiness
- DNS changes
- third-party systems
We will take reasonable care during deployment but do not guarantee uninterrupted migration.
Temporary downtime may occur.
16. SEO – Marketing Activities Disclaimer
Unless specifically contracted, SEO services are limited to agreed implementation tasks.No guarantee is provided regarding:
- rankings
- traffic
- Enquiries
- conversions
- indexing speed
Search engine algorithms are outside our control.
17. eCommerce Specific Terms
For eCommerce projects, the Client remains responsible for:
- product pricing
- product descriptions
- stock accuracy
- tax settings
- shipping rules
- legal compliance
- refund policies
- checkout wording
- age-restricted product compliance
Payment gateway merchant approval remains the Client’s responsibility.
18. Integrations
Third-party integrations may include:
- CRMs
- email marketing platforms
- payment gateways
- ERP systems
- booking tools
We are not responsible for:
- API limitations
- provider outages
- provider pricing changes
- undocumented restrictions
- future compatibility changes
19. Intellectual Property
Upon full payment:
- final website design and agreed bespoke deliverables transfer to the Client
We retain ownership of:
- development methodologies
- internal tooling
- reusable code libraries
- frameworks
- pre-existing assets
Third-party licences remain subject to their own terms.
20. Portfolio Rights
Unless otherwise agreed, We may:
- reference the Project
- display screenshots
- list the Client name/logo
- describe services provided
for portfolio and marketing purposes.
21. Warranty Period
A warranty period of 14 or 30 days (as agreed) applies for defects directly relating to delivered development work.
Warranty excludes:
- user changes
- plugin conflicts
- hosting changes
- third-party updates
- malware
- content edits
- misuse
22. Maintenance and Support
Ongoing support is not included unless covered by a separate maintenance agreement.
Ad hoc support is chargeable.
23. Security
Reasonable development practices will be followed, but no website can be guaranteed fully secure.
The Client is responsible for:
- password management
- access control
- staff access
- ongoing updates (unless managed)
24. Backups
Unless specifically included:
- backup responsibility remains with the Client/host
We recommend automated daily backup
Clients hosting on Blue Dolphin platform will automatically qualify 30 day rolling backups
25. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Our liability shall be limited to the fees paid for the relevant Project.
We shall not be liable for:
- indirect loss
- consequential loss
- business interruption
- lost profits
- data loss
- reputational damage
- lost sales
- SEO losses
26. Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays caused by circumstances outside reasonable control including:
- hosting outages
- cyber incidents
- internet disruption
- illness
- supplier failure
- regulatory changes
- acts of God
27. Termination
Either party may terminate in writing.
Where terminated:completed work remains payable
- work in progress is chargeable
- third-party committed costs remain payable
Deposits are non-refundable once work begins.
28. Confidentiality
Both parties shall keep commercially sensitive information confidential unless disclosure is legally required.
29. Data Protection
Where personal data is processed:
Both parties agree to comply with applicable UK data protection law including UK GDPR and Data Protection Act requirements.
The Client remains a data controller for website content and collected customer data unless otherwise agreed.
30. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Project Schedule and Content Control
In the majority of projects, Blue Dolphin Ltd will install and publicly post or supply the Client’s Web site by the date specified in the project proposal. If no such date is specified, the timescale shall be within four weeks of the date initial payment is received from the Client, unless a delay is specifically requested by the Client and agreed by Blue Dolphin Ltd. An alternate time scale can be agreed during the initial project discussion.In return, the Client agrees to delegate a single individual as ‘first-point-of-call’ to aid Blue Dolphin Ltd with completing the project in a satisfactory and expedient manner.During the project, Blue Dolphin Ltd will require the Client to provide copy and images. If content is not provided within four (4) weeks of an official request by email then Blue Dolphin Ltd reserves the right to advise the Client of a revision to the final payment fee based on new or revised pricing schedules that may be introduced from time to time. If content is not provided within eight (8) weeks from the original email request then the Client is considered to be in default of the project, the project will be terminated and the Client sent the final invoice for immediate payment. Blue Dolphin Ltd will agree, at its discretion, to recommence the project after agreement is reached on a new quotation document and once the original fees have been paid.
Client Review
Blue Dolphin Ltd will provide the Client with an opportunity to review the appearance and content of the Web site during the design and once they are completed. At the completion of the project, such materials will be deemed to be accepted and approved unless the Client notifies Blue Dolphin Ltd otherwise within ten (10) days of the date the materials are made available to the Client.
Default
If the Client in default has any information or files on Blue Dolphin Ltd’ Web space, Blue Dolphin Ltd can, at its discretion,remove all such material from its web space. Blue Dolphin Ltd is not responsible for any loss of data incurred due to the removal of the service. Removal of such material does not relieve the Client of the obligation to pay any outstanding charges assessed to the Client’s account the Client’s account will immediately be considered to be in default until full payment is received. Clients with accounts in default agree to pay Blue Dolphin Ltd reasonable expenses, including legal fees and costs for collection by third-party agencies, incurred by Blue Dolphin Ltd in enforcing these Terms and Conditions.
Termination
Termination of the Web Development project by the Client must be requested in writing and will be effective on receipt of such notice. E-mail or telephone requests for termination of services will not be honoured until and unless confirmed in writing. The Client will be invoiced for design work completed to the date of first notice of cancellation for payment in full within thirty (30) days.
Copyright
The Client retains the copyright to data, files and graphic logos provided by the Client, and grants Blue Dolphin Ltd the rights to publish and use such material. The Client must obtain permission and rights to use any information or files that are copyrighted by a third party. The Client is further responsible for granting Blue Dolphin Ltd permission and rights for use of the same and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Blue Dolphin Ltd from any and all claims resulting from the Client’s negligence or inability to obtain proper copyright permissions. A contract for Web site design and/or placement shall be regarded as a guarantee by the Client to Blue Dolphin Ltd that all such permissions and authorities have been obtained. Evidence of permissions and authorities may be requested.
Rights
- You retain ownership of copyright, trademarks and other intellectual property rights in materials that you provide to us for use in the development.
- All copyright, trade-marks, patents created, developed, subsisting or used in or in connection with the design and development of the project will be transferred to you on settlement of all outstanding sums due.
- Ownership of the Intellectual Property Rights of the development/programming code/design will remain with Blue Dolphin Ltd contractor until all outstanding sums due to Blue Dolphin Ltd have been paid in full, whereupon ownership will transfer to you.
- Intellectual Property Rights of the development/programming code/design are not transferable to any third parties and furthermore, any associated software/systems may not be re-distributed, sold or rented unless otherwise agreed by Blue Dolphin in writing
Media Delivery Requirements
Unless otherwise specified in the project quotation, this Agreement assumes that any text will be provided by the Client in electronic format (ASCII text files delivered via e-mail, CD-Rom, DVD, or FTP) and that all photographs and other graphics will be provided physically in high quality print suitable for scanning or electronically in .gif, .jpeg, .png or .tiff format.
The specific requirements will be discussed and agreed with the Client prior to commencement of the project. Although every reasonable attempt shall be made by Blue Dolphin Ltd to return to the Client any images or printed material provided for use in creation of the Client’s Web site, such return cannot be guaranteed.
Access Requirements
If the Client’s Web site is to be installed on a third-party server, Blue Dolphin Ltd must be granted temporary read/write access to the Client’s storage directories, and those directories must be accessible via FTP. Depending on the specific nature of the project, other resources might also need to be configured on the server.
Post Project Alterations
Blue Dolphin Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any alterations caused by the Client or a third party occurring to the Client’s pages once installed. Such alterations include, but are not limited to additions, modifications or deletions. Blue Dolphin Ltd may require a one-off Web Development charge before resolving any issues that may arise.
Third Party Services
Blue Dolphin Ltd may require the usage of third party services – for example, credit card processing – to complete the Client’s project requirements and will ensure these services are integrated into the project and working correctly upon completion. Blue Dolphin Ltd cannot be held responsible for subsequent changes or issues with these third party services that may result in issues on the Client’s website and may require a one-off Web Development charge before resolving any problems that may arise.
Domain Names
Blue Dolphin Ltd may purchase domain names on behalf of the Client. When Blue Dolphin have purchased any Domain on behalf of the customer this will remain the property of Blue Dolphin, should the client express an interest in becoming a the registrant of the domain, Blue Dolphin will invoice the client the cost of the domain once payment has been received along with any other outstanding invoices related to the domain or website build activities, Blue Dolphin will invoice the client for the domain renewal cost and repeat the billing process on the renewal date.
For .com, .org and .net domains, reminder emails regarding payment and renewal invoice will be sent out to the client at point of domain renewal. Domains ending in .co.uk are automatically renewed ten (10) days before expiration. In this case, the
Client must notify Blue Dolphin Ltd that they do not wish to keep the domain thirty (30) days before the expiration date. The loss, cancellation or otherwise of the domain brought about by none or late payment is not the responsibility of Blue Dolphin Ltd.
The Client should keep a record of the due dates for payment to ensure that payment is received in good time.
General
These Terms and Conditions supersede all previous representations, understandings or agreements. The Client’s signature below or payment of an advance fee constitutes agreement to and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Payment online is an acceptance of our terms and conditions.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by English Law.
For more information visit our website