How do you get content from your client?

[newtas100]

Do you get it all at once or do you allow him to deliver it in several rounds? Is there a time frame?

Is this in the contract? How do you word your policy in the contract? Can you provide a sample?

How do you determine when the content gathering phase has ended?

I'm really lost on this topic and I just finished a project for a client that was providing me with new content almost everyday and he would change the content that had provided me previously. It was total chaos and it took much longer than expected to finish the project. I don't want this to happen again. I want to have more control over how and when content is delivered to me.

[celgins]

The web development business is similar to most other businesses when it comes to gathering products. For example, construction companies don't always get their mortar mixes, lumber, steel rebar, etc. from their subcontractors on time. It's all just a part of running a business.

What you need to ask yourself is: "When I do not receive content on time, what should I do about it?"

For me, I'm WAY too busy to chase clients. When one client is slow to deliver content, I simply switch my attention to another project.

Clients do not always deliver when they promise and I have a clause in my contracts that states: "The completion of the project may be dependent on your ability to deliver needed items."

... or something to that effect.

[Fortune Hunter]

I agree. I use a clause in my contract with similar wording that states the completion date given may change based on materials not being available from the client when needed and/or not giving feedback when needed. I also put a statement in my payment terms that says 50% down payment and partial billing through the rest of the project. I typically bill out the project down to the last 10-20% and if they never give me the materials they have paid for a site that will never be completed.

I am with the above poster, I am way too busy to chase and badger a client for content, but at the same time I am not going to sit on a bunch of finished work for no fee because the client can't get his/her act together and give me the remaining content needed so I bill it out to insure I get all or most of my money. If the client delivers the materials, even if it is a year later, I always fulfill the contract and deliver the site.

Fortune Hunter