Hugely helpful and reassuring short presentation from John on Friday. At the same time, it was reassuring to see I was already doing some things right, but at the same time there was so much I wasn't doing. In particular with client contracts and time planning. Here are some notes I wrote down.
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Always ESTIMATE time frame and costs before undertaking brief.
Gets both you and client on the same page and allows client to see the scope of the project.
ALWAYs estimate and never 'quote'. Estimate isn't legally binding like a quote. Estimates allow to add on unforeseen costs such as logistics / alterations / printing etc without (usually) much fuss from the client.
Pay special attention to your payment terms, contract etc before getting work underway. Once accepted THEN start.
Charge for additional stuff you didn't agree such as alterations. Charge per alteration. Stops you messing about doing rubbish alterations as they know they have to pay, and also more money for you.
Always send invoices, important messages through e-mail. E-mails' are timestamped and dated so great for a record and organisation if needed in future.
INVOICE
Order Number: The deal and project you agreed on from the start.
Always itemise and break down all costs.
If big company, send to the accounts department and send a copy to client marked FYI.
Invoice Number
Date.
Reference Number. Mainly for your own records.
--
Charge per revision.
PAYMENT - by bank transfer only.
At the bottom of the invoice add on terms + conditions and information about files, payment, copyright and payment information.
If they don't pay you
You can take to a small claims court. Order dates and logging are super important. For when shit hits the fan.
GET ORGANISED NOW. Makes things easier. No headache in terms of organisation so you can concentrate on what's important - the brief. So get in the habit now.
Always discuss payment at start.
Don't do things for free
Unless it's for a charity!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Always ESTIMATE time frame and costs before undertaking brief.
Gets both you and client on the same page and allows client to see the scope of the project.
ALWAYs estimate and never 'quote'. Estimate isn't legally binding like a quote. Estimates allow to add on unforeseen costs such as logistics / alterations / printing etc without (usually) much fuss from the client.
Pay special attention to your payment terms, contract etc before getting work underway. Once accepted THEN start.
Charge for additional stuff you didn't agree such as alterations. Charge per alteration. Stops you messing about doing rubbish alterations as they know they have to pay, and also more money for you.
Always send invoices, important messages through e-mail. E-mails' are timestamped and dated so great for a record and organisation if needed in future.
INVOICE
Order Number: The deal and project you agreed on from the start.
Always itemise and break down all costs.
If big company, send to the accounts department and send a copy to client marked FYI.
Invoice Number
Date.
Reference Number. Mainly for your own records.
--
Charge per revision.
PAYMENT - by bank transfer only.
At the bottom of the invoice add on terms + conditions and information about files, payment, copyright and payment information.
If they don't pay you
You can take to a small claims court. Order dates and logging are super important. For when shit hits the fan.
GET ORGANISED NOW. Makes things easier. No headache in terms of organisation so you can concentrate on what's important - the brief. So get in the habit now.
Always discuss payment at start.
Don't do things for free
Unless it's for a charity!
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