Forum Moderators: LifeinAsia
My web site agreement notes that upon site completion the client is allowed a five day 'free modification period' to review the web site and make changes within the scope of the agreement free of charge, with the exception of a different design set once it has been chosen (of course they can pay for a new design if they choose to.)
Other pertinent info is that I collect half down to begin, with the remaining balance due upon site completion, after the free mod period, and before actual site launch.
I put this policy in place when I experienced a disaster several years ago. I had a client who did not get back to me for at least 2-3 weeks after I was done with their web site. I tried to contact them by cell phone, telephone and email. Although the design was in place, one page still needed 'content' because I needed their rates and information. When they finally got back to me, she had a zillion changes and expected to work on the site for another month without paying for site management! I had to put something in place that drew the line as to when site management fees would apply. This all meant that I didn't see the remaining balance of the site for months. I thought this was ridiculous since it was a fairly simple and basic web site.
Now that I've told you my life story and background ;] the little problem I had today is that I emailed my client to remind them that this is the last five days of their free modification period. Before we signed the web site agreement a couple weeks ago, this client requested 15 days due to very hectic schedules. Even though that would add an extra 10 business days alone before I saw the balance due, I gave it to them.
Once I had built and designed the site, posted photos and as much information as I could, completely optimized it for Search Engine placement, and every thing was in working order, I sent them an email to tell them that it was done, except for company information page and final review. She wrote back and said that they thought the site was complete and the 'free modification period' 'began' once they made any minor changes and did the final review. If I did it that way, then wouldn't I be giving away 5 or 15 days of free web site management?
How can I better clarify to my clients what 'complete' means, and do you think that this is the right way to handle this part of a web site project?
Should I definetly include the definition of "complete" in my web site agreement? Over the years I've learned what is really important to include so my agreement is already a page and half long!
Thanks for reading!
"If the Project is delayed past the estimated completion date due to a delay in provision of required content or materials by Client or a delay in Project approval by Client the remaining balance of the total amount shall become due and payable".
This keeps the project from being drawn out without payment being made.
As to when a web site is "complete"... at some point the client will want the site made live and published to search engines. At that point it is complete, and payment is due before being made live and submitted.
Also, I require final versions of text, changes to text later are generally extra.
All this is spelled out in the contract.
