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Statement of Work (SOW)

A document that defines exactly what a project includes — deliverables, timeline, price and terms.

A Statement of Work (SOW) spells out the specifics of an engagement: what will be delivered, by when, for how much, and under what conditions. It turns a vague agreement into a precise, shared reference both sides can hold each other to.

For freelancers and contractors, a solid SOW is the single best protection against scope creep and payment disputes.