Don’t Be Taken Advantage OF

One of the hardest things to learn as a designer is how to not be taken advantage of. It can be devastating to your business and your confidence. Six-hours of burning the midnight oil followed by being jilted after delivering files to a client really hurts. Burn me once shame on you, burn me twice shame on me. It only takes a couple of these burns to realize how unproductive this behavior is. Prepare yourself by taking a few precautions in the future to protect your valuable time and services.

Interview your prospects as part of your process to see if they are worthy of your work as a designer. You can usually get a good feel for a client the first or second time you meet them. The best clients are decisive, to-the point, and prepared with a clear vision of what they want. They will want to know pricing and budget up front. Watch out for the clients that are vague, ill-prepared, or uncomfortable talking about pricing.

Protect Yourself And Your Business

• Use a contract.

      o You can create your own contract with the specific terms, rights, etc. The AIGA website has samples that you can view.
      o Strongly recommended on projects of $1,000 or more where you may have to legally take the client to small claims court in order to receive payment.
   o Make sure both you and the client sign the contract and each of you have a copy.

• Get paid a deposit.

      o 10%-50% non-refundable is a common down payment.
      o This benefits you in two ways. 1) If the client backs out you retain a portion of the payment, something is better than nothing. Two, clients are less likely to back out once they have invested in the project. When they have “skin” in the game, they are more likely to follow through.

• Hold the files.

      o Deliver all proofs in lo-res jpg format or locked pdf files. Deliver source files only after you have invoiced and/or receive payment.

• Set terms.

      o In your contract set payment terms. This will depends on your comfort level with the client. You can set terms Net 15 – 60 days. Charge interest on payment after term expires.

Protect yourself and your business. Don’t be afraid to say no if it doesn’t feel right. You may take a few freebies in your career, but don’t make it a habit. You can sometimes sacrifice payment for potential project pipeline. Use your best judgment and treat yourself and your business with the respect it deserves.

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