View Full Version : Is it Common
To have a webdesigner want 1/2 of the money to design a site before you even see it??? this smells like :bs: to me but maybe its how its done now....it doesnt feel right Ill tell you that!
markblair
07-07-03, 11:58 AM
That's the only way I would do it myself. A friend of mine runs a business and somewhat on the side he designs websites. He started out not requiring payment and after being burned badly by many people, he refuses to do any work before receiving partial payment. Mostly because of a few sites he spent many hours and days on only to have the person pull out at the end. In a few cases, they even had the site from him and told him payment was sent but he never got it. The main reason I can see this being asked for is because more than likely, only the serious will pay.
markblair
07-07-03, 12:01 PM
Oh', also... ask to see some of their previous work first. Try to search and do some research on them before paying. That may help make it more reasonable and I agree, it would be hard to pay someone up front for something you won't see right away. If they're reputable and you like other work they've done, then maybe it'll be worth it. Good luck!
Originally posted by markblair:
Oh', also... ask to see some of their previous work first. Try to search and do some research on them before paying. That may help make it more reasonable and I agree, it would be hard to pay someone up front for something you won't see right away. If they're reputable and you like other work they've done, then maybe it'll be worth it. Good luck!
That Im going to do it myself! :cool: it might take a bit longer but atleast I trust me lol
you hit the nail on the head the person that wants the $$ up front I dont know them and Id hate to get stiffed.
Pro yet human is what Im going for !!
*Watch Laci break out the Homesite and Dreamweaver (I hate WYSIWYG Editors) and get to work *
Living Media
07-07-03, 12:19 PM
Half up front isn't how I personally operate, but I do ask for money up front. My own formula, which I've used for years for many different things (design, consulting, editing, tech writing):
30% up front
30% at first proofs (or some other milestone semi early in the project lifecycle where work has been done and has been approved by the client)
remaining 40% upon project completion
Depending on project complexity, the remaining 40% of payments may be made along the way, at certain other project milestones, rather than when the project is finished...but most designers do have some regular payment formula that they follow and most do ask for some portion of the money up front.
If you are uncomfortable with that particular scheme, explain why this makes you uncomfortable and suggest another payment structure. The designer may not go for it, and keep in mind that it's likely that you'll need to pay some amount up front; but you can always see if they'd be amenable to a different payment structure.
Speaking from my own experience, my reason for asking for a portion up front (always after initial consultations but before any other work begins) is so that someone won't have me plan out their project, create initial code or graphic art or documentation, and then decide to take my concepts (or what they've gotten) and go with some other designer (or trying to do it themselves. I had someone do that to me once.) If they've signed a contract and paid a portion of the money, they're a little less likely to try and switch once the work has been started - or if they do, I don't take a total loss.
Originally posted by Living Media:
30% up front
30% at first proofs (or some other milestone semi early in the project lifecycle where work has been done and has been approved by the client)
remaining 40% upon project completion
That is how I have usually seen it done as well.
We charge 50% up front, 50% upon completion. For larger projects (over $5000) we will work out different payment schedules due to the large amount of $$.
It's pretty much industry standard... like a retainer for a graphic design firm or advertising agency. You should be able to tell by examining their portfolio and talking to previous clients that they can adequately complete your project.
If you like their style, and are confident of their abilities what is the problem?
Originally posted by beley:
what is the problem?
Well thats just it the person (who I think is a kid) ...wanted 1/2 the $$ had nothing to show me of his work ...I depend on my gut alot and this person was setting off alarm bells...all I kept thinking was Ill give him the $$ I wont like the work and I will be out the $$
anyway its mute now Im going to do it myself
Well, for one always get a signed contract that details when the project will be complete, total cost, payment details, etc.
2nd, if they don't have any previous clients or portfolio - walk away. I designed several sites for free for friends before I had a decent portfolio to get paid design jobs.
Definately be careful...
UH-Matt
07-08-03, 12:46 AM
Depends on the scale and price to be honest.
If its a $100 template then its not going to be a big deal either way. If its a more expensive service and/or consultation then its important to get a contract and agree payment milestones.
Chicken
07-08-03, 05:35 AM
Originally posted by Laci:
Well thats just it the person (who I think is a kid) ...wanted 1/2 the $$ had nothing to show me of his work ...
That probably wouldn't make me want to give that person 1/2 either. I wouldn't pick a designer who couldn't show work samples anyhow, so the issue would be done as far as this designer is concerned. It would apply to the next designer you consider though.
GrandmasterB
07-08-03, 04:47 PM
Laci...I feel your pain. You need to have a feeling of some confidence if you're going to hand over big bucks for a design. You excpect to get results, however I've been on the short end of the stick before. I designed a concert program for Universal and they stiffed me to the tune of 3k. I only charged 1/3 upfront, and never saw the rest.
The moral of this story is...both parties need to be aware of the risks involved. Both of you have a legitimet (spelling?) claim. I say if you don't have a good feeling about it don't do it.
<<MOD NOTE: legitimate :D>>
interactive
07-14-03, 05:30 AM
Originally posted by Laci:
To have a webdesigner want 1/2 of the money to design a site before you even see it??? this smells like :bs: to me but maybe its how its done now....it doesnt feel right Ill tell you that!
Escrow Escrow Escrow Escrow Escrow Escrow. Most escrowing services are affordable (depending on the amount), and will save both parties alot of hassle.
RADiSTAR
07-14-03, 03:31 PM
The 50% up front is common practice among graphics/web developers. That's why it's important to be able to establish mutual confidence. The main role of a portfolio is to showcase a developer's work. When clients want samples of my work, I point them to my portfolio. Some ask for 'test projects' etc which I kindly reject. Time is money :D
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