Getting burned by clients
- Started
- Last post
- 14 Responses
- MSTRPLN
I was talking to another graphic designer over the weekend and we were discussing how the element of security comes into play with our work when it comes to things like designing logos and identity for clients on a freelance basis over the internet.
He was telling me about how he never shows anything to the client and his paranoia of sending thumbnail sketches of logos and things like for fear that someone on the clients end would steal everything at the drop of a hat. Rightfully so, he had a good point because that very thing happened to him, but that got me thinking about my practice and how I deal with clients over the internet. I too am defensive when it comes to things like this, I don't want to get burned and have my hard work and ideas stolen and re-used by these clients who decide to low ball and "let me get my money together first" even after they decide to a contract and price, but is there really a way to get around this?
How do you present these ideas to a client to get feedback for their logo without them bailing on you and using them anyways? I'm just uneasy to hand over my work, but sometimes it seems like that is one of the only alternatives to show what direction the work is going in for the client..
My normal policy is to charge 50% upfront fee to cover a loss, but that would still be 50% of my work lost ... provided these people even pay the full amount in the first place.
Is there anything else that can be done in this type of "online" situation to be more secure?
- blaw0
i don't start without the deposit (which is based on my personal comfort level).
the rest is just the risk of it, 'eh?
- Momentum20
Contract... write everything up before hand... including comps and samples
- tkmeister0
aiga contract sample states clearly on intellectual property and rights.
- mrdobolina0
always get deposits. first off you will get some money up front. secondly, people are less likely to fuck you over if they have vested interest in the project.
- monoboy0
Make a contract, keep records of every stage of the process. If they don't pay up and use your designs, take them to court.
Simple.
- _salisae_0
always get collateral before beginning a project .. a child of theirs (preferably first born) or a small pet if the project is not that significant in size
- k0na_an0k0
before i begin any project i send the client a picture of their house from their bushes with a note written in red ink on the back, "i know where you live"
- mrdobolina0
I have never gotten gonnorhea from a client.
- Meeklo0
I do a lot of work for clients overseas, and I been screwed over a few times, so I developed my own system.
- Get complete information from them, mailing address, phone numbers, fax, etc.
- Deposit money first.
(specially with new clients, but I have come to learn that even "old clients" can screw you up)Deposit money will get the client low resolution mock ups, (you specify this before hand according to your own methods).
After complete payment is recieved, I will mail DVD with high res files.
(or move website from my server to theirs, in case its web work)
Other than that, trust your gut, and do not consider for once second to give work away without getting paid, the moment you do that, they will stab you in the back with one of those modified spoons, like the ones used in jail.
If for any reason they don't pay start calling everyday, I had this guy from finland that I worked for over a year tried to screw me over, I called so many times, (even called to co workers of him that had nothing to do with the project in order to embarrass him), after 5 months of chasing this guy, he finally paid in order for me to shut up.
Good luck!
- davey_g0
Remind me to never piss Meeklo off!
*Moves to Finland, waits for a phonecall.
- Meeklo0
Remind me to never piss Meeklo off!
*Moves to Finland, waits for a phonecall.
davey_g
(Aug 1 06, 15:57)hehe...
- joyride0
like the others, have a good contract detailing requirements and the like, plenty of samples around.
A friend told me if you can get them to sign a personal guarantee with a photocopy of their drivers license. That is as good as having their soc number. With this info you can go to collection agencies and have them hound them. But i havn't figured out how to work that into the contract. Sending a copy of your drivers license seems like an odd request. I know i wouldn't do it. But...
- karlo0
er... get a PO?