This post is an expansion of tip #75 in our post 101 Graphic Design Tips for Business Success.

Ask Questions First

Even the simplest things can be misinterpreted. Your client has called you asking for a rush “banner”. You know that the banner size they usually order is 10 ft wide by 3 ft tall, so assuming that this is correct, you blaze off and quickly create them their standard banner. When the “banner” arrives the client calls you very upset. They tell you that what they kept referring to as a “banner” is really a 22” x 28” poster that needs to fit in a stand. What you have given them is useless, expensive, and now they are really in a bind.

Don’t assume you know how an experience will be. You might find your best clients in the most unpredictable situations. You should also ask questions of your customers before you assume what they’re thinking. You don’t want to lose a customer over a “good intended” assumption…

Pause For A Few Moments

The last thing you want to pay for is a costly reprint. Going over every detail can sometimes feel repetitive and mundane. It may even frustrate your client, but it is necessary. A lot can get lost in translation. The better you spell it out for you and the client the better your chances of protecting yourself from paying for a client error. Keeping a paper trail of emails and project scope documents is very important for any job, no matter how trusted the client may be.

Pausing for a few moments to clarify information saves you money, time and from losing great clients.