Files to client - Yes or No?
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- 24 Responses
- mattiaBK
I've worked on several print projects for this client of mine, and everything has been great. No issues. Easy client that always pays on time.
Few days ago, I was asked to send them a couple of original files (illustrator files) so that they could make some changes, and re-print (i'm not doing the printing, just providing the page layout).
What would you guys do? Would you send them the files? Would you charge them? And how much? I think I might know the answer, but I'm interested to know what's your opinion.
Thanks.
- bdizzle0
If they are a good client and you see no threat send it- they paid for it...it's theirs-right?
If I do a logo and they want the the ai file- they can have it- after I convert everything to outlines- let them figure out the rest-
- bored2death0
When clients start asking for files, it's usually the beginning of the end.
- blogger0
All depends on you relationship with them.
- mikotondria30
Say you don't use illustrator.
- Josev0
It's really not a simple matter of "it falls under copyright", there are ways you can be damaged by this practice.
I designed screens for software company ten years ago. The company requested the Photoshop files. They were given to another firm who made only minor/simple type changes and converted it to slide show, yet submitted the work to an awards show and won a gold award. I didnt go to the show but was called by three people after saying "didnt you do that".
I also designed a site for a client who requested the Fireworks files. Since then I've been getting these terrible HTML emails from that client using edited/cut up pieces of my files. In an email exchange from one of the organization's divisions I learned that people thought I had created the emails. The emails were created by another smaller firm, not by me. This is very minor and I was able to correct the record but you can still see how there can be the potential for damage.
- blogger0
Freelancing is never safe. It's the nature of the business.
- Josev0
I think we're going to see more people asking for files given the state of the economy. I'm also increasingly hearing things from older clients like "we have have this amazing young person on staff who is very good with computers and has excellent taste"
- Mr_Right0
If they have been a good client, and you foresee getting more work from them, then give them the files. Make decisions using your best judgment, it's part of doing business. Having said that, you might consider having a talk with your client about why this puts you in an uncomfortable position. Part of what they are paying for is your expertise. Make it clear to them that when things go wrong, and they always do (like noticing a font has substituted courier after the print run is finished) that THEY are responsible for any mess that occurs.
Speaking of fonts, if you are going to send over the files, do not send the fonts. They need to buy their own fonts if they want to do their own design work.
- ItTango0
No. Clients owns the end result - e.g. a logo. He can do what he likes with it, including allowing another designer to modify it... it the designer can. Client does not own your Illy layers, masks, gradient meshes or whatever you used to create the thing.
Or, try calling the architect who designed your (or any) home. Tell him/her you're gonna need the CAD files so another architect can make some changes and see where that gets you.
- monospaced0
I try to answer these questions when taking on the project. If the client asks for a single designed piece, that's what they get. But, if from the on-set it's clear that they're asking for a piece that they can modify and edit at their will, then you won't be surprised and you can charge more for it. Even still, this practice is questionable.
- DaveO0
Print out all the stuff you did and send it to them in a bunch of lever-arch files.
- chalk0
They can either pay you to make the changes, or they can pay you for the source files. The clients do not own the source files, only the final piece.
- i_monk0
Add "turn over build/source files* – $1000.00 per project (*I retain sole copyright)" to your rate card.
- I tried this once. He paid, but would never work with me again.monospaced
- Fuck em then!sneakybadger
- yeah, but I hate it when that crap happens...I was only trying to run my businessmonospaced
- ornj0
fax the illustrator file to the client.
- ornj0
But if they have historically been happy with your work and you are happy having them as a client... maybe offer to just make the change if it's something small?
- sneakybadger0
Client owns files = $$$$$$$$$$$$ !!!
No files - $$$
- Next thing you know, the tagline will be in comic sans!!sneakybadger
- i_monk0
^ They likely want the option to turn the files over to someone else, perhaps cheaper, maybe their nephew, and pick up where you left off.
- mattiaBK0
Thank you for all your replies. You all have great points, and I agree with most of them. I'll have to make the right decision, and then deal with. Not sure yet which one though, however I know I don't want to get screwed.
- Tell him it wasn't part of the original agreement, is he willing to pay the difference?i_monk