[EmmaPhlema]

Yet another client question...

Client requested info sheets (4-5) for each of his (3) condo projects, which will be placed into a folder to be given to prospects. I have given the client these and am awaiting changes. It's been over a month and a half and I've contacted them a few times and they said they'll be looking at them soon.

Do I bill them a reduced fee to get them off their ass for 3/4 of the project. So I get some money for the initial project. I will then bill the rest when the changes come thru??

What wording do you use? I've never had a client just take part of the job, not pay and not ask for changes??? This guy is high maintenance and always trying to get away with shit.

[mrbigdog]

Hi Emma,

Quite a predicament, but one that you are probably not on your own with.

I have had some experience of this, and I find it has been useful to contact the client and say that you have a higher volume of work coming in over the next 4-5 weeks - and cannot guarantee to prioritise their changes if they are unable to get them to you in order to complete in the next 7-10 days.

If they don't respond, I would drop an invoice through to them for services rendered. That's what any other business or service would do. You should be no different; and it sounds like you have been very reasonable.

Its always a good idea to stage payments for certain points during the work and get them signed off as complete part way through. That way it keeps the income flowing if you do run over on certain sections - and means it isnt a disaster if they take a few weeks to come back to you...

Hope it helps.

Paul.

[herkalees]

What payment arrangement did you both agree to in the beginning?

[EmmaPhlema]

Originally Posted by herkalees

What payment arrangement did you both agree to in the beginning?

payment agreement was.
Client: I want this and this...
ME: Here is the estimate
Client: Sounds good, go ahead with the designs
Me: Here are the rough drafts of your designs
Client: They look good, we'll get back to you with any changes
Me: (a couple weeks later) Have you had a chance to look over the changes?
Client: Not yet, we'll get back to you
Me: (couple weeks later) Haven't heard from you, looking for the recommended changes for the info sheets
Client:

Me: help DT!

[woodss]

Invoice them for the work done.

[seen.to]

Always have a contract, always take a deposit, always have payments at certain stages of completion. Doesn't help you now but in the future...

For this one I agree that you should invoice them right away and send it along with a polite letter explaining why you are invoicing at this stage.

[OriginalDisco]

Invoice them for work completed to date, definitely.

[Aibrean]

In my contract I have this pretty line:

If the designer has had no contact with the client at the fault of the client for 90 days or more after project commences, the designer will void the project, issue a $100 convenience kill fee plus applicable design fees. The client will not be entitled to any work, regardless of payment already made or services already rendered.

I always require a deposit up front and they have to pay EVERYTHING before they get art. It's definately a motivator.