Do you have a serious desktop publishing or graphic design business or is it just something you dabble in on the side? Part of doing business is getting paid. But getting paid for your time and talents is something some designers struggle with. Whipping out fresh, original logo designs or doing the layout for a 500 page technical manual are a snap compared to asking a client for a deposit or following up on late invoices.
Pricing:
If you try to compete on low price alone the client may get a bargain but you won't. If you don't set a rate that allows you to make a living you won't be in business for long. If your work is good enough, the clients will pay the higher rates. Those that won't are probably the same ones who will try to nickel and dime you to death - expecting more and more freebies and more of your time so that you're almost working for free.
More: Setting Rates for Desktop Publishing
More: Setting Rates for Desktop Publishing
Do you charge too little for your services?:
- I'm afraid to raise my rates and lose clients.
- Probably, but it's so hard for me to do pricing.
- My rates are fair and competitive.
Spec Work:
While there may be a few legitimate situations where you'll want to do the work on the promise of maybe getting the job, it's not a great way to do business. The danger is that the client will either not like the work or balk at the suggested payment leaving the designer with several hours of unpaid work or that the client will like the work but will simply take it without paying for it.
More: Pro Bono vs. Spec Work
More: Pro Bono vs. Spec Work
Have you ever been 'burned' by doing work on spec?:
- Yes, it's happened. I know better now.
- No, because I NEVER work on spec.
- No, I've been lucky - got the job, got paid.
State Your Case: Is Working on Spec Ever OK?
Contracts:
Starting work without a signed contract is like walking a high wire without a safety net. You might make it to the other side with no problem. But if you don't, there's nothing to break the fall. Having a contract doesn't guarantee the client will pay, but a well-crafted contract that covers the most common situations provides you with "a leg to stand on" when you and the client have disagreements over payment.
More: Writing a Contract, Contract Clauses, Sample Contracts
More: Writing a Contract, Contract Clauses, Sample Contracts
Have you ever been 'burned' by not having a contract?:
- Yes, it's happened. I know better now.
- No, because I ALWAYS use a contract.
- No, I've been lucky - no contract, no problems.
Share Your Horror Story: Have You Experienced Contract Disputes When Working With Friends or Family?
Deposits:
Requesting a deposit from clients is standard trade practice for designers. While some clients might balk at paying something up front, never apologize or become defensive. Simply explain the rationale behind getting a deposit and, if necessary, explain how it is to the client's advantage to pay in installments.
More: Get a Deposit
More: Get a Deposit
