quote:Originally posted by Sonny Franks: The response I'm looking for is what you literally say to the customer - I've tried several methods, none of which seem to work for me. Every case is different, but what is the general dialog?
Here is how we handle it. I've got this printed out with our prices.
I basically walk the potential client through it. By walking them through this short guide, I remember all the things I need to make sure to tell them, before they even hire us, so that there is no confusion after the job is started. Other than that it's half down for logo work or signs over a certain price.
I feel like this guide is a good way to communicate what the client is getting at our shop. It is helpful in up selling logo work too, by showing clients the difference between designs that WE us on their signs and designs that are meant to be used as logos. A lot of times when they realize (before we even get the job) that we won't just email their sign layout in vector format, they will instead want to invest in a logo from the get go, which we approach a little differently when designing anyway... and of course they get the disk with the art files.
Also, whether or not you price your designs by the hour, This communicates to the client what level of design is worth what. When they can physically see an example of a $XX design VS a $XXXX design, it helps them understand the value of different designs. From there, you could even break it down to: minimal = 1 Unique Concept and 2 Revisions medium = 2 Unique Concepts and 4 Revisions etc.....
May not work for everyone, but it works well for us.
Edited for spealing
[ September 14, 2011, 04:48 PM: Message edited by: Joseph Diaz ]
-------------------- Joe Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, IL 61764 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 538 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Like Sonny said...this would make a great SignCraft article...now if you guys would work up something as easily understood on the meaning of life.
"Imagine my surprise when I saw your new signs with my design on them. I am glad you like my design, but if you are going to use my design I am entitled to be paid for it. Attached to the quote I provided for you is the legal documentation regarding intellectual property.
“This is an original unpublished design created by Jeff Wisdom/Oregon Signworks. Any design and/or lettering created for this project are the intellectual property of Jeff Wisdom/Oregon Signworks and remain the copyright protected property of the same. They are presented for the sole purpose of customer consideration and approval in connection with a project being planned for you by Jeff Wisdom/Oregon Signworks only. They are not to be shown outside of your organization or used in conjunction with the obtaining of other competitive bids. They may NOT be reproduced in any medium for any purpose without the expressed written permission of Jeff Wisdom/Oregon Signworks. Any infringement of this drawing will be vigorously pursued to the fullest extent of legal remedy. Jeff Wisdom/Oregon Signworks will be reimbursed $1000.00, for the time and effort in the research and design of this project, for each occurrence of infringement.”
I would be willing to settle for my design fee of $150.00 which is due within 15 days from this letter. If you choose not to pay I will need to take legal action."
I did receive a concerned call from the client wanting to avoid legal action. I asked how the design I created ended up on the sign. She acted sincerely innocent and also confused that this was considered "stealing" She pleaded that she was just starting out and couldn't afford legal action (isn't that admitting to guilt?) Vance secured the name of the company who did the work and I left a message with him. He called back assured me he no idea it was designed by me, they had apparently separated my design from the quote and taken it to him and told him to reproduce it. I will keep working on this collection along with another one from earlier this year.
-------------------- Jeff Wisdom SignWorks info@oregonsignworks.com Posts: 450 | From: Oregon | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
only $150 ??? wow you are a very generous person. I wish I had your patience.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
The $150 probably covers your design time so that is a good settlement, especially if client is eager to pay it and avoid any legal hassles. Even going to small claims or just sitting in the judges chamber getting the issue resolved is a complete waste of everyone's time.
Hopefully they'll see that and just pay you.
good luck!!!
-------------------- Michael Gene Adkins The Fontry 1576 S Hwy 59 Watts OK 74964 Posts: 845 | From: Watts, OK USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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