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designbyjez's picture
80 pencils

Best way to get official 'go-ahead' from a client

hello

Can anyone help me or give some guidance as to drawing up some kind of agreement that I can give to a client that basically confirms that they want me to work for them?

I was thinking that once I've received a design brief it would be good to just set up a short document that would have my planned timings, costs and things.

Then they could agree upfront that they are happy for me to work on the project.

Does anyone else have something like this? how have you 'worded it ' without it sounding too overwhelming or off putting. I don't want to scare people away- just a backup in case a dispute was raised in the future...

Thanks

Jez

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designbyjez

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gwells's picture
1711 pencils

a contract. plain and simple. there is no better agreement. ;)

here's the AIGA standard agreement (based on US law, but I would think much of it would translate to england).

http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/standard-agreement

Art D. Rector's picture
2770 pencils

Roger that, gwells. Thanks for the link. Today - and let me be perfectly clear here - I don't know about tomorrow or the day after or next week or next month or next year or anywhere else down the road - but today? Today - you rock, dude. :-)

gwells's picture
1711 pencils

:P

gwells's picture
1711 pencils

btw, anyone who was "scared off" by a formal contract is a problem client in the making, as they probably don't see you as a professional. in fact, a professional client will actually appreciate a real contract because it shows them that you treat your work professionally. remember, a contract is supposed to protect both parties.

Ivan's picture

Words are easy. Ask for at least 30% advance payment. That shows commitment form their part.

Art D. Rector's picture
2770 pencils

Bingo. I get 50% up front on new clients (and the contract signature) - weeds out the bums and the pretenders right off the bat. The serious clients won't even bat an eye. I have to say too - that walking into a room, meeting someone for the first time ever, and then walking out with a big fat check - without doing anything whatsoever for that person - still gives me a wonderful thrill. :-)

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