Using the M word
You need it, your clients are cautious spending it and no one likes talking about it, but sooner or later it has to come up. We’re talking about Money.
Obviously some tactfulness is required when discussing money with potential clients, broaching the subject like so isn’t going to get you far;
Client: Hello, I’m interested in having a logo…
Designer: 50% deposit first!
Client: …designed.
Typically after receiving an initial inquiry, generally by email, I write back a brief hello and thank you, as well as a few questions to clarify the clients initial design brief.
Once this is done I reply with a formal design brief as a PDF including a quotation and requirement of a deposit and request confirmation of the details without raising the question of money myself. Only once all details are agreed upon has the time for a deposit has arrived.
Graphic design has more than its fair share of tire kickers and people looking for a freebie, a.k.a. spec work, but how to broach the subject without rushing genuine clients.
What do you think?
I like to think I’m fairly gentle when it comes to the subject of money and hopefully not scaring anyone off. How do you do it?
Although, it is what makes the world go ’round, money is always the worst to talk about when it comes to doing any sort of work. One must also know when it is time to step it up, especially when it concerns collecting final payment.
If you’re not firm enough you will not get payed, and if you’re too firm you may scare away clients. It’s a tricky barometer?
Omar,
I think a 50/50 agreement is the best you can offer without putting yourself at risk. It shows some trust from both parties and ensures both have equal motivation to get the job finished.
Early on if I wasn’t busy I would often start a project before money had been discussed. Nothing too exciting, I’d just scratch out some ideas out for an hour or two to get a feel for it.
Often enough though as soon as a deposit was mentioned the client would vanish into the night. I’ve given this up as of late, wasted hours quickly add up.
It should be easy talking about that crazy monopoly money you’ve got pictured there Andrew. But what about a pile of greenbacks? ;)
Beck,
The Australian government was going to with plain green paper for everything, but their a bit funny about the whole counterfeiting thing.
Pesky buggers.