[ACCTeam]

Hello,

I know this sounds like a dumb question and for the most part I would more then assume, that the client always pay half the bill before you start but I dont understand how the client is ok with this.

Has anyone here ever show a sample of the graphic look of the website before being paid?

What I'm trying to understand is, lets say the client gives you some ideas on how they want their website to look and then after making the 1st draft, the client does not like it, how do you handle this. I know most contracts give about 3 remakes of the look but what happens if the client does not like the last re-design what do you do? What if you just dont know how to make what the client wants to have...do you say have a nice day and go separate ways, do you still charge a small amount and if you do charge, how do you figure the correct amount?


Please let me know how you might handle this, even if you never had this problem. I'm trying to make sure the client feels comfortable and is handle correctly. Thanks so much for the time and looking forward to hearing back...


Thanks,

[pgo]

After three rounds of redesigns and input from the client they should be happy with what you've done.

The reason to charge a percentage up front is that it's sort of a retainer. They pay you to show you that they honestly want your services and aren't going to make you work, take the final product, and never pay you. It's like a deposit or a down-payment.

If you don't know how to do what the client wants, then why'd you accept the job, I'd say. If something's over your head, say, "I'm sorry, but this project isn't going to fit into my schedule (or some bullshit), but I want to recommend some people who might be better suited to what you're looking for."

Naturally, you should have a fairly detailed "this is what you're getting" in your contract - "an HTML/CSS website, 20 pages hard coded, no content management" for example. That way, you can't say, "OK, I'll do this site for $1500." and then sign the contract and get to work - they call you a week later and say, "actually, we need you to add an ecommerce system in for the same price."

Your contract and their downpayment is mostly to protect you from being abused by the client. At the same time, you must make them happy and only take on jobs that are within your skillset - if you don't (that is, if you piss them off, create substandard work, or take on something that is out of your league) then you'll lose not only that client, but future clients as well.

It's said in sales quite often that if a customer has a good experience, they tell 1 person. If a customer has a bad experience, they tell 10 people.

Best to make their (and your!) experience a good one.

Either way, make sure your contract covers everything. Amount of work to be done, expectations, revisions allowed, etc. That way the client can't fuck you over without risking a lawsuit.

Sorry if this is rambling. I've been at the bar.

[chick]

Clients hire you based on your portfolio and work that you have done for previous clients. This allows them to have a reasonable expectation of the work that you can deliver.

I agree with pgo -- contracts protect BOTH parties. If your client hates your mockups, they should pay you for the time you have spent on the work and move on to someone else.

Some books for reference:

GAG Pricing & Ethical Guidelines

and


Graphic Designer's Guide to Estimating and Budgeting

and


Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers

hope that helps ...

[ACCTeam]

Hello,

Thanks for the advice, it was helpful. Just to clear something up, this question I asked was not because I'm having an issue with a client but as a 'What If'

Taking this a step further, lets say after the 3rd or 4th revision, the client is still unhappy...how should you word it professionally to the client that the might be better with another designer???


Thanks,

[r3n]

ACCTeam, I've had this problem a few times, and I foolishly overstepped the 3-pass line. This was a big mistake because for starters they were a new company (so, not much cash) and I was doing it at a discounted rate anyway.

Because we didn't get it right after the 3rd time they felt that we had messed them around, so we ended up both unhappy. Infact it was the other way around, but the client always has the bad reputation card in their pocket...

Usually, after the 3rd time, if they're still not happy with it and you feel the deal is a bit weak, don't let them take the piss (as they will resent you for it afterward).

By this I mean, if you need to, up your price. If you think the deal is becoming unrealistic, give them an unrealistic price. It's very unlikely they'll accept an unrealistic price as usually they'll get the hint. If they accept the bogus price and you're still not feeling too safe, just say it'll be another 2-3 months till you can fit them in.

This way they'll probably go off and get somebody else to do it, realise that its actually not that straight forward and probably come straight back to you.

The worst case scenario is that they'll go off and tell 10 people that you're overpriced... Which, in theory looks better than having a reputation for producing substandard work.

[NIXONlive]

Most people who have come to me have seen my work pasted down the chain or check out my portfolio. I ALWAYS ask for at least 20% up front that way i know i'm not having my time wasted & 99% the time clients are happy with i produce it's usually waiting for someone else on my team to complete something and get back to me that get's them fustrated