{"id":3661,"date":"2011-02-10T13:30:27","date_gmt":"2011-02-10T13:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lamorbidamacchina.com\/ssssimone\/?p=3661"},"modified":"2011-02-10T13:30:27","modified_gmt":"2011-02-10T13:30:27","slug":"3661","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lamorbidamacchina.com\/ssssimone\/3661\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"
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credit: yoshiffles on flickr<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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You know what you call a client that knows exactly what they want, does not require revisions, always pays you on time and loves colored eggs? You call them the Easter Bunny because they do not exist.<\/p>\n

In a perfect world all client relationships would go this smoothly. Unfortunately, it\u2019s not a perfect world. As a freelancer, you have horror stories, but here are five strategies to help you work through these difficult situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. \u201cDo we really need a contract?\u201d<\/h3>\n

Freelancer: <\/strong>Great to hear you\u2019re ready to move forward.
Client: <\/strong>Yeah, I\u2019m excited to start the project.
Freelancer: <\/strong>I will send over my contract. Please take a look, and once it\u2019s signed, we can get going.
Client:<\/strong> Wait. A contract? Just trust me, you\u2019re going to get paid.
Freelancer: <\/strong>No\u2026 it\u2019s not a matter of trust, this is how I stay organized.
Client: <\/strong>Listen, I don\u2019t have time to look over a contract. Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/h4>\n

If the client absolutely refuses to sign a contract, you will need to use your own discretion to determine whether the potential opportunity is worth the risk. It is highly recommend that you use a contract. If the client is still adamant, you should consider walking away from the project because it has disaster written all over it and may result in you not getting paid.<\/p>\n

Never overcomplicate the contract \u2013 keep it short, concise and straightforward. The purpose of a contract is to outline all the terms, deliverables, and timelines and prevents misunderstandings. The client should know that a good contract protects them as much as it protects you, and a properly worded contract conveys that you are a professional running a serious business.<\/p>\n

2. \u201cForget the deposit!\u201d<\/h3>\n

Freelancer:<\/strong> Great, soon as I get my deposit, I\u2019ll get started.
Client:<\/strong> Listen, I know it\u2019s in the contract, but let\u2019s get going, and I\u2019ll pay you in full at the end.
Freelancer<\/strong>: With all due respect, this is not how I like to start projects, and I ask you to respect the contract.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/h4>\n

If your payment terms are in your contract, this will likely never happen. But if this does, your client is in breach before you\u2019ve even started. That\u2019s bad news and a red flag.<\/p>\n

By always including your payment schedule in your contract, you shouldn\u2019t be afraid to defend your payment terms. Remember, you\u2019re not selling a physical product that can be returned for lack of payment. Once you\u2019ve turned it over, it\u2019s not yours anymore as there is no consignment in design.<\/p>\n

To ensure your client understands your payments terms, it\u2019s best to have a section in your contract dedicated to detailing the payment schedule (how much, when, and even why). It can be helpful to set payment dates around key creative deliverables. It makes the client more at ease since they\u2019re receiving part of the project each time a payment is due.<\/p>\n

3. \u201cI never got your invoice.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Freelancer:<\/strong> Hey, have you had a chance to take a look at the invoice yet?
Client:<\/strong> I don\u2019t recall seeing it.
Freelancer:<\/strong> My records show that I sent it to you three weeks ago.
Client:<\/strong> Wish I could help you, but I don\u2019t think I got it. And without an invoice I\u2019m unable to cut you a check.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/h4>\n

The relationship you have with your customers is very valuable. You want to work with them in the future, but you also need to get paid. Politely send the invoice again. There\u2019s no point arguing with the client. Be polite each time you ask, and never come off as hostile or desperate.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also best to track all relevant updates in order to know which clients have outstanding invoices, how many times you\u2019ve already followed up, and what the next steps are for invoice collection.<\/p>\n

Some online invoicing products will even track the invoice for you. For example, FreshBooks will show you when the invoice was read. (Full disclosure: I work at FreshBooks.)<\/p>\n

4. \u201cI like it\u2026 but let\u2019s change everything\u2026and can you make the logo bigger?\u201d<\/h3>\n

Freelancer: <\/strong>Here\u2018s the final project delivered to your specs.
Client: <\/strong>It\u2019s great\u2026 but we have a few minor tweaks\u2026 can you change the colors, the images, the copy, oh and make the logo bigger?<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/h4>\n

In this situation, changes are going to have to be made. The best way to protect yourself from being taken advantage of is to have a clause in your contract stating how many revisions can be made and then you will need to start charging your hourly rates. This is a good place to set client expectations. This includes setting up regular checkpoints for reviews and revisions. This allows your client to give feedback before you\u2019ve gone far ahead and maybe wasted your time. This will save you a lot of time. If they have approved each phase and have clearly been involved with the progress of the project, it is less likely for them to be surprised by the end result and want to change everything.<\/p>\n

Remember, it is your responsibility as the creative professional to guide and direct the client to the best possible solution. This requires you to fully understand and take in consideration the client\u2019s budget, timeline, available resources and expectations.<\/p>\n

5. \u201cScrew you! I got what I needed. I will finish the rest on my own.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Freelancer:<\/strong> Hey, I\u2019m finished and will send you the final invoice and project pieces.
Client:<\/strong> Uh\u2026 yeah. About that\u2026 I must have forgotten to tell you that the project has been cancelled and I can\u2019t pay you the rest.
Freelancer: <\/strong>But we have a contact? It clearly states that I will be paid for my work.
Client: <\/strong>S!@# happens\u2026 what can I say.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/h4>\n

This is the exact reason you will want to set up payments terms that outline a deposit, and additional payments during the project. The trick is to get the most money as possible upfront. This is tricky, but if you have a signed contract, it gives you a number of options. If you do not have a contract, you may want to consult a lawyer.<\/p>\n

It is always recommended to have a Cancellation Clause in your contract that clearly states that all work belongs to you, until full payment has been made for the project.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the worst thing a client has ever said to you, and what was your response?<\/p>\n

Photo credit: Some rights reserved<\/a> by yoshiffles<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Supercharge your freelance business with the FreelanceSwitch Job Board, the only hand-moderated job board built around the way freelancers find work. Check it out now<\/a>.
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