Genuine clients

I’m using this short lull before the storm to write. The storm will begin in June… I’ve been booked for 6 weddings in June, 4 in July, 2 in each month that follows that, all the way till Dec 2007. I am concurrently working on 9 web development projects and 1 brand identity project right now. I’ve also got wedding bookings for next year.

Recently a friend asked for some advice on what she should do if her client refuses to pay her for design services rendered, as she did not ask for a deposit for the project. This is the reason why I always ask for a deposit before commencing a job. Genuine clients will understand the designer’s request for a 50% deposit. The deposit confirms the clients’ commitment to the project, indicating that the clients have done their research and have chosen the right designer. The deposit also provides a safety net for the designer in case the client decides to abort the project due to no fault of the designer. Time spent on an aborted project is time that could otherwise have been used for another paying project.

Imagine for a moment that you were looking to purchase a new house, and have found the house that you really want. If you (the buyer) refuse to place a deposit for the house, would the seller reserve this house for you? The seller will reserve the house for the first person who places a deposit. The deposit indicates that the buyer has committed a certain some of money to buy this house, and is unlikely to abort the transaction.

Designers have no reason to run away with clients’ deposit money. They have their professional reputation to protect.

See more Design