Okay...I've designed this LARGE entranceway wall (8' tall x 18' wide x 30" deep) for a new subdivision going up in town (BTW - thanks Dave D) .
I used the 'Sawtazky' pricing method - what it's worth, not what it costs (I'm figuring it will cost me about 13 grand and the developer has pretty much agreed to my price of 22+K.
Here's the hitch...the developer has also indicated that he wants to use my logo for his print advertising.
This as a VERY good customer - mostly 4x8's, coro lot signs and construction type stuff - about 20K worth of work last year.
I have been dealing with a field manager throughout this paticular project.
At our first meeting, I told him that I would design the sign, but if they wanted a logo, it would cost extra.
The proofs that I sent him were a pretty low resolution, with a watermark - so I'll need to tighten them up for print media.
My dilemma is...since there will be a tidy profit on the job, should I just comp the logo?
Comments, criticism, and normal flaming appreciated and encouraged.
Thanks ahead of time.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
Pat,what you say is he wants to use "YOUR" logo in his advertising?
That's free advertising for you as long as you don't have to pay for it- no problems if there are no strings attached.
Or did you mean to say he wants you to design him a logo for free of as a contra for the advertising?
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
If it were me, and maybe I'm just a nice guy, considering the $$ numbers involved here I'd likely comp the logo. However, I would also make it very clear to the client the value of the logo design and the fact that I'm cutting him a break as a sign of appreciation or a show of good faith for his repeat business.
It would also be contingent upon his payment history. A history of timely, no-nonsense, no game-playing payments would sway me towards being nice. A history of headaches and chasing down a buck would be the absolute deal breaker.
***Edit***
Then again, maybe you should just charge for everything and show your appreciation with gift certificates to treat his family to dinner at their favorite restaurant. This way there's no question to the value of the work, you get paid for it all, and treating them to a meal carries a little more thoughtfulness.
[ January 31, 2007, 11:36 PM: Message edited by: Mike Pipes ]
Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :
It being a subdivision, and not a business, I'd say the likelihood of them profiting from it's use are minimal.
You, however, might be able to entice them into ancillary signs & products using the logo - getting extra mileage out of it for yourself.
Charge at least something for any hi-res art you provide.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
quote: At our first meeting, I told him that I would design the sign, but if they wanted a logo, it would cost extra.
I think you already answered your own question.....charge him...You can tell him you are cutting him a deal because he is a good customer or whatever...but not charging him is like admitting you are not worth it. Did you ever think that maybe you are a gooD signmaker as well? Did I just say that? I need to start listening to me. Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Anytime I design anything for a customer I charge them for the design... and the rights to use it.
But sometimes I do artwork on spec at my risk... the rights being mine until they commission the piece. It doesn't leave my hand until its sold. They then get the artwork and the rights to the same as part of the deal, no extra charge (they know of). Producing artwork on spec most often means I get to upsell in a very big way. How could I possibly describe in word pictures what I want to make for them?
Both ways I get paid VERY WELL for the artwork, design, copywrites and the piece we produce without haggling the customer with extra charges and nickling and diming them down the road.
Charge big bucks up front based on value instead.
-grampa dan
Posted by bruce ward (Member # 1289) on :
If he's dishing out that kind of money let him have it. If anyone uses me for signs and its a good price and bid they can have the art.
If he uses your logo and gets nothing from you, sure, charge him for it.
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Pat, You have to charge something for it! If not, it only cheapens the services you offer. So, perhaps you can offer him 2 choices, the first being the more expensive option which is a substantial flat fee for unrestricted use for what ever or where ever he wants to use it. I'm thinking in the $2,000 - $5,000 range. The other option would be to license it to him with usage restrictions. There would be an initial fee that would be just enough to cover the hours you have invested into the design - billed at $125 an hour. He would be free use and reproduce it for, or on, anything that is not related to the products or services you offer. So, if this guy wants for stationery or shirts, he's free to use it. However, if he wants more signs and/or vehicle graphics, he would either have to buy through you, or pay you a usage fee equal to 10% - 20% of his invoice for the product or service.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Charge him for the logo as a separate item on the invoice. If you do any layouts for bizcards and any print work etc, that also get charged extra. (mention to them that you do that also).
Then, provide them a cd, with print ready files for their logo.
~nettie
Posted by Stevo Chartrand (Member # 2094) on :
Charge him! If he's plunking down that much money for signs, you think he's gonna squabble about buying the logo? Being nice, even if it is a good customer, won't ensure any loyalty these days. Learned that one the hard way. Get paid for your time and if he really is a good customer he shouldn't have a problem with it. Good luck Pat!!
Stevo Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
You told him you were gonna charge him, so charge him. He's expecting you to. If he sees this as a "gift", you have devalued your work. If anything, shoot him off a few bizcards as a thank you. Love...Jill
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
"Here's the hitch...the developer has also indicated that he wants to use my logo for his print advertising."
Yup, it's currently your logo, not his. If he's already convinced that it's good enough to use, he should be agreeable to paying for it. Something to consider as well is that it'll have different uses. Burning a CD of the design in different formats might be in their best interest and billable time for you.
Rapid
Posted by Gary Hove (Member # 4970) on :
I have a great friend who has just opened a new store and he is asking the same thing. A store front sign with a logo that he can use with cards, adds..... whatever. I provide the sign with the logo and a copy of the logo on a CD for his use. I charge him for the sign and separately I sell the logo CD to him. Busniess is business.
Posted by Patrick Whatley (Member # 2008) on :
quote:Originally posted by Nevman: the developer has pretty much agreed to my price of 22+K.
Meaning you aren't guaranteed to get to do the job, yet? I'm agreeing with everybody else, you told him up front you would sell him the artwork, now he's ready to buy! Woo hoo, nice bonus!
You wanna be nice then send him a fruit basket after the check clears.
Posted by Miles Cullinane (Member # 980) on :
I'd Tell him that normally that kind of logo would sell for X amount but since you're a good customer I'll let it go for X less discount. you still get something for it but you show him that you both value your own skills and his business.
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
I need to start listening to me. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)