Forum Moderators: LifeinAsia
I've had a number of clients that were unhappy with their previous designer for a reason unrelated to the graphic design work (time issues, or perhaps the designer "fired" them). The client would send me links to previous drafts done by that designer, specifying what they like about it, and if I can do something similar. I thus learned that the moment it seems like I may have to refund a client's down payment for any reason, I immediately delete all sample work from my server. If they decide to do business with another designer, I'm not going to let either of them piggyback on my design concepts for free. Anyone else do the same thing?
the moment it seems like I may have to refund a client's down payment for any reason,
Why would you ever consider refunding one penny of their money if you did a mock up? In all of my dealings with clients my contract specifically says that the project is "non-cancelable" If, for whatever reason, I choose to allow the contract to be canceled my contract also says that I can bill them for the work I have into to date, which would include the mock up work I did. I would never refund any money if I did the mock up, which I believe can be a fair chunk of work and not get paid for it.
Second, I know exactly what you mean by taking the work down so someone else can't use it, but if they paid you as I stated above you sort of owe them the design. If they choose to higher someone else to finish it that is fine with me as long as I have been paid for my work into it.
In all of my dealings with clients my contract specifically says that the project is "non-cancelable"
That contract term doesnt actually mean anything, just writing in doesnt overide the law of the land :)
You should always reserve the right to cancel and refund the client fees for your own protection.
Why would you ever consider refunding one penny of their money if you did a mock up?
Because 90% of the time, I can still use that mockup for another project, so I'm still getting paid for the time spent on it.
That contract term doesnt actually mean anything, just writing in doesnt overide the law of the land
I am not sure how the legal language actually reads in the contract, my attorney wrote it, but I do know how it works. Basically, it prevents me from having to issue a refund to the client if they decide they don't want to continue the project for any reason. It does say they can credit the fees to a future project of their choice, but can't get a refund. I am not sure what the law of the land is, but I have never had to refund anyone's money so I guess it works.
Because 90% of the time, I can still use that mockup for another project, so I'm still getting paid for the time spent on it.
That is good planning on your part. I have never been able to use the graphics from one client to another. It seems they each want such different stuff that I can't ever seem to really utilize work I have already done. Also what about the 10% you can't re-use, don't you take it in the shorts on those deals?
