The verdict in three sentences
Paying for a site does not mean owning its code: without an explicit clause, the rights often stay with the provider. In 2026, a sound contract covers rights assignment, Git repo access, no proprietary lock-in and documented reversibility. A well-written reversibility clause avoids a forced 5,000-15,000 EUR buyback the day you switch providers.
The 7 clauses to demand before signing
These clauses decide whether you own or rent your site. Check each one.
| Clause | What it guarantees | Risk if missing |
|---|---|---|
| Rights assignment | ownership of delivered code | unrecoverable site |
| Git repo access | full source code | technical lock-in |
| Hosting in client's name | infrastructure control | hosting hostage |
| Documented reversibility | easier migration | forced buyback |
| Component licenses | clear usage rights | license dispute |
| Exportable backups | data continuity | content loss |
| No proprietary lock-in | freedom to switch | captive platform |
The reversibility clause is the most overlooked and the most expensive: without it, migrating a site can cost as much as a rebuild.
The hidden cost of lock-in
A site built on a closed proprietary platform looks cheap until departure day. Comparing scenarios.
| Scenario | Owned code + Git | Closed proprietary platform |
|---|---|---|
| Switching provider | simple migration | buyback/rebuild |
| Exit cost | 500-2,000 EUR | 5,000-15,000 EUR |
| Data access | full export | partial export |
| Free enhancements | yes | vendor-permitting |
| Dependency | low | high |
| Business resale value | clear asset | fuzzy asset |
Code ownership is not just comfort: it is a booked asset and a negotiation lever at every renewal.
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Mini case study
Mr. Bakker, managing partner of a 15-person consulting firm in Amsterdam, wants to switch agencies after three years. His original contract covered neither rights assignment nor Git access: the former provider quotes 9,000 EUR to buy back the code. By comparison, a contract with reversibility would have made migration billable at 500-2,000 EUR. The missed saving, around 7,000 EUR, would have been covered by a simple half-page clause added to the original quote.
FAQ
Does paying for a site mean owning the rights? No. Without an explicit assignment clause, copyright in the code stays with the provider. The assignment must be written into the contract.
What exactly is reversibility? It is the commitment to hand over code, data and documentation in a usable format to enable migration without a buyback.
Why demand Git repo access? Because the Git repo holds the full source-code history. Without it, a new provider starts from scratch, which is costly.
Should I avoid proprietary platforms? Not systematically, but demand full exports and a reversibility clause. Closed lock-in is the real trap.
What should I check on component licenses? That each licensed library or theme is covered for commercial use and transferable to your name to avoid any dispute.
Let's scope your project. Send us your current contract or requirements and we'll review the ownership and reversibility clauses before you sign. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
