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Nicole
Posts: 2850
Joined: 9/15/2004
From: Nambucca / Kempsey, Australia
Status: offline
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I Need the MONEY! - 4/25/2005 18:56:07
Hi everyone,
My contract currently says that the client shall pay half up-front and the remainder on site completion.
For this particular job i've been paid the initial amount, but can't complete the job because the client is proving a bit stubborn in delivering the final information i need to complete their site and upload it.
I'm now wondering whether i should have a more progressive payment scheme in place like 3 or 4 installments, or whether i should include a clause in the contract in the future that states if the job is completed to s stage where i can't upload it because i'm waiting on content, or approval or something else like that, then i'll be paid 75% of the remainder, the other 25% when the site is finally uploaded.
Do any of you have any suggestions on this, do you work in the way i'm thinking of, do you work your contract the same as mine is now or differently again?
Nicole
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BobbyDouglas
Posts: 5470
Joined: 5/15/2003
From: Arizona
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RE: I Need the MONEY! - 4/25/2005 19:47:45
Depending on the relationship I have with the client, will determine what payment plan is made.
I have had one site in production for a year now (due to lack of information). We don't have a contract that says the client needs to give me content by a certain date, the client is just very busy with many other things. I have done most of the website in phases, and did half upfront, and half when the site is completed for the first phase. After I learned a little bit more about the client, and figured that it could take awhile to receive content, I changed the payment plan to all upfront. By this time I have developed a relationship with the client to the point where they knew I was here to help them.
When I usually do small websites ($200-$450) I will request all upfront. Larger ones will be determined by whatever is stated in the contract.
A simple line added to your contract, requiring the client to provide you will all details by "Date X" will solve your problem in the future.
For now, let your client know that you would like to finish up the site because you have other projects on hold. This makes your client feel bad about holding off on the content, and will kind of push your client to a state that he/she feels things need to be completed. If it isn't in your contract, there isn't much you can do.
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Arizona Web Design - Mr Bobs Web Design in Arizona
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Nicole
Posts: 2850
Joined: 9/15/2004
From: Nambucca / Kempsey, Australia
Status: offline
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RE: I Need the MONEY! - 4/25/2005 20:15:58
Hi Bobby,
It's not in my contract with this client and i realise i can't change that now, i was thinking more of future clients though. Thanks for your comments.
I also have a very good rapport with this client, but i also may be unreasonably influenced by the following things:
- Like anyone i guess, i like to work on a job start to finish, I don't mind having two or more jobs on the go at once, as long as i know that i'm not working on a particular site for a reason, and while i'm not working on it, my client is getting me the information etc. When it starts to drag out i begin to get frustrated. (Boy! have I lots to learn about business?)
- I now realise just how poorly structured this client's workplace is, i'm constantly redirected to other staff members to take instructions from them, which has subsequently caused the inconsistencies in content and the delay also. (another thing i'll include in my revamped contract is that i'm to deal with one person only)
- The third point is that i'm relying on this money as i'm starting out in business and need income to fund capital growth which in turn will increase my ability to attract new clients. Two or more years down the track i feel this circumstance wouldn't bug me as much because i'd have the resources and other clients to keep me going.
Thanks again for your response.
Nicole
p.s. this new "Reply to Message" dialog box is great!
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BobbyDouglas
Posts: 5470
Joined: 5/15/2003
From: Arizona
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RE: I Need the MONEY! - 4/25/2005 21:43:50
quote:
Two or more years down the track i feel this circumstance wouldn't bug me as much because i'd have the resources and other clients to keep me going.
- Long term goals are great. I would take this instance as a small learning lesson (one of many I have experienced), and move on. It might be one site that draws your time a bit more than expected, but the knowledge you gained from this client will help you. Adding a timeframe to any contract is a good idea.
I don't know what is best for your business, just trying to give some tips with what info you provided.
I have taken a few businesses classes that have helped me learn quite a bit about contracts and how to spend $$. A lot of people will have some good insight on these issues, I am sure a lot of people here have experienced what you and I have and will hopefully drop by.
- the new reply box is great, but I prefer to look at the code for the text instead of the way it is now....
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Arizona Web Design - Mr Bobs Web Design in Arizona
The Arizona Web Hosting Challenge
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dpf
Posts: 7126
Joined: 11/12/2003
From: India-napolis
Status: offline
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RE: I Need the MONEY! - 4/26/2005 8:53:58
however, once "battle lines" are drawn, relationships can deteriorate. As frustrating as this is, it does remain a huge project for Nicole and thus an important reference. Have ayou tried a personal visit? harder to ignore "face time"
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Dan
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dpf
Posts: 7126
Joined: 11/12/2003
From: India-napolis
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RE: I Need the MONEY! - 4/26/2005 10:39:57
its the former psychologist buried deep inside <smile>
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Dan
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BobbyDouglas
Posts: 5470
Joined: 5/15/2003
From: Arizona
Status: offline
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RE: I Need the MONEY! - 4/26/2005 19:51:44
Nicole, I started to do that too. I now have good records of all client contact and the discussion we had, as well as notes that I need to do.
I use Cerberus Helpdesk, and keep a thread about each client in their, that really helps me organization.
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Arizona Web Design - Mr Bobs Web Design in Arizona
The Arizona Web Hosting Challenge
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