by Mark Monlux, markmonlux.com
Here is a list of items that you should converse with your client about before you write up your contract. These questions should be covered in early phone conversations and confirmed with a signature.
Determining
the Estimate
(Remember
-- a bid is locked in, an estimate
is not)
Production
•Time/Rate
•Budgeting
•Meetings
•Research
•Concept
Development
•Thumbnails,
Roughs
•Comp
Preparation
•Type
Design
•Type
Specifications
•Layout
•Paste-up
•Color
Selections
•Production
Supervision
•Productions
Coordination
(at
least 3 trips each, proofing
output, color separator, printer)
•Revisions
•Delivery
•Rush
Fee
•Bookwork
(final
bill calculations: invoices;
phone time)
Expenses
•Telephone
•Fax
•Modem
•Photocopies/Chomacopies/Photographic
prints
•Linotronic
output
•Laser
output
•Photography
•Computer
Time
•Scanning
•Plotting
Time
•Supplies
and
Props
•Stats
and
misc.
camera
work
•Postage/Freight/Courier
Terms & Payment
• Who
is billed? Designer or Client?
•Advanced
payment –--
how
much?
•Progressive
payments –--
how
many?
(usually
3)
•Payment
upon
completion
or
•Payment
by
invoice
(30
days)
•Interest
added
(or
late
charge)
on
past
30
day
account
Licensing Rights
•Is
the license National, Local,
Regional?
•Limited
or
Unlimited
Usage?
•If
limited,
define
re-use
rights
•Always
state
time
and
location
limits
•Know
your
re-use
fees
in
advance
(or
include them in your original
contract)
•Determine
who
owns
original
work
•Determine
a
time
for
return
or
work
not
owned
by
you
or
your
client
•Be
concise
about
who
negotiates
rights
when
subcontracting.
Will
the
client
negotiate
rights/fees
with
contractor
or
subcontractor?
•Are
you
flexible
in
negotiating
your
rights
and
amendments
for
re-use
rights.
Miscellaneous
“Kill Fee”: Some people like to charge a “Kill Fee” (this is usually a percentage of the total estimate) for work that has been cancelled. Another option is to cover yourself by asking for a down-payment before work begins.
Client Approval: Remember to get your client's signature of approval not only throughout the process, but a final approval before going to press! It's not a bad idea to state that final signature approval is required in your contract.
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© 2005 All Dear Mark materials are copyrighted by Mark Monlux, and may not be reproduced in any way without expressed written permission.