[PartDigital]

So this is my situation. I have many clients and am constantly working on my code, old and new. (I'll add new functions, improve old ones etc). Most of my systems are very OOP based therefore it's relatively easy to upgrade the websites. However it does take some time and simply I don't feel obligated to upgrade their scripts (unless it's broken of course) without a price.

for example. ..

let's say I did a website for client X. using a template class and a database class. The site works great and there's no problem. I then do some work for client Y which required me to upgrade my template class.

Now I have two versions of my template class.

I would like to keep all my clients using the same version of my template system but also my time is precious and I can't afford to do upgrades (even small ones) without some compensation. (especially if there's nothing wrong with the website in the first place).

Therefore one solution I thought of was offering them an "update service" where I'll upgrade with new versions of code, for a let's say $120 a year.

anyway, what are your thoughts?

[John Good]

If you like to have your clients using the same version, you take it on your own.

If your client wants/needs to use tha latest version, they'll have to pay for it.

It's that simple.

[Aibrean]

Estimate on the how much time it takes you to do it. I always charge for updating but I do offer work on a retainer.

[cam]

You're updating a working website and (seemingly) offering no benefit to the client, and want to charge them for it? Haha, dream on.

[illvibe]

Originally Posted by cam

You're updating a working website and (seemingly) offering no benefit to the client, and want to charge them for it? Haha, dream on.

Agreed. Site looks the same, works the same, why would they pay?

[alexmos]

I agree also... why should client pay you for basically "nothing"?

Maybe you should offer maintenance for a monthly fee and add FREE SCRIPT UPDATES to the service to make it more attractive... NO maintenance services, NO updates...

[Justinskie]

I agree to, you cant really, ethically or legitimately just update the template with the new version and send them a bill as it suits you and not them.

Add more to the template, make it bigger and better. Then offer it to them later a t a small update fee.

Otherwise just live with it as is I suppose though Alexmos has offered a good suggestion.

Maybe you should offer maintenance for a monthly fee and add FREE SCRIPT UPDATES to the service to make it more attractive... NO maintenance services, NO updates...

Alkexmos