The
Importance of Client Contracts
Why every designer, artist or
professional should insist on written, signed contracts before starting
a project
Whether you are just starting out in a business
or a seasoned "professional" you should have a contract
when doing business - if not for your own safety, but for the safety
of your clients.
Not a day goes by that I don't hear horror stories
about misunderstandings on projects that could have easily been
prevented with a simple contract.
Simply, they state the work you are providing
and the cost involved. They should also indicate what is not included,
such as incidental material costs and excessive copy changes, etc.
Always put into writing your intent and email it to the client.
His or her email response, along with the "deposit"
is an contract of the agreement. For added security, have them sign
a copy of the contract and mail or fax it to you. My policy is that
I do not begin any work until the down payment has been paid and
the contract is signed and delivered. This not only protects my
business, but also shows me that the customer is serious about his
or her intents.
When you have developed a good, solid relationship
with your client, then monthly billings are the norm. But until
then, 50 % down is not unheard of. After all, you are taking a risk
doing work - and more often than not, monies owed are not paid based
upon the client "not liking the design."
Remember, you are hired to do a job - and it is
up to the potential client to research your design ability and make
the decision to hire you, based upon the findings. You are not hired
to "make them happy."
Now that may sound cold-hearted, and I care about
each and every one of my clients, and the work I do for them. However,
when I am hired, for example, to do a logo - I am hired to design
a logo - based upon their specifications. After a reasonable amount
of time, if they just don't like the designs I come up with - they
are still obligated to pay for my service. I do attempt to rectify
the job and pinpoint the "problem", but unless the client
can somehow convey their desires, I just haven't perfected "reading
minds."
And I do expect to be paid for my effort. But
a Professional Designer will be able to work with the customer,
and eventually, completing the project to the clients' satisfaction.
In the 23 years I have been providing marketing and design, there
have only been 3-4 instances where I just wasn't able to design
the project to the satisfaction of the customer - and on one occasion,
they refused to pay, as they decided to close the business. I eventually
had to sue for the $100! Can you imagine, tarnishing your credit,
not to mention your reputation, over such a small sum of money!
The main reason I was able to collect the money
easily is because I had a written and signed agreement for the project.
I also had documentation that the logos were delivered - it was
basically "no contest".
I was able to satisfy the other clients, by hiring
outside of my office. I found a compatible match for their needs
and all were happy in the end. And that is your ultimate goal: Satisfaction
and service.
In closing, remember you cannot
be everything to everyone. And not everyone is going to like your
design style - but many will. So, remember to be professional,
and confident in your work. Have a portfolio of samples to display
your design style, and above all, have a contract ready for the
signing!
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About the Author
Suzanne Fyhrie owns and operates OneWay
Advertising and Design. OneWay is a full-service Christian
Advertising agency providing marketing, advertising and graphic
design services for on and off the Internet. Her clientele reach
from Montana to Trinidad. Email: info@onewayadv.com
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Helpful Information:
I am including access to these helpful web
contracts for your use. They are in Word Fomat. Use as you see
fit. We recommend that you read these contracts thoroughly, make
any necessary changes, and above all, spend the money to have
your lawyer review them.
free webcontracts, wec contract agreement, wev developmnet
proces
