Getting paid: The two methods of billing for web design
February 14, 2005
Once you and your client have agreed on a price (for your web design work,) it’s time to get some cash!
Why do you need to get money before you start the work:
Two major reasons:
- You need some sort of commitment from the client – nothing guarantees a commitment like cash!
- Respect: you need to establish respect for your services. By getting a payment upfront, you are establishing a professional relationship.
How much should you ask for?
I work with one of two payment structures:
- Two equal payments – 50% up front and 50% when the job is done.
- Three equal payments – 33% up front, 33% on delivery of the first draft and 33% when the job is done.
The 2nd option is much better because it’s easy to get the first draft out – this way you’ll have 66% of your money relatively quickly.
On the other hand, it can take a long time before the client signs off on the final. Option #2 is especially handy when you have clients who take forever to respond to your questions causing the project to drag on.
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OK, I wasn’t going to mention it, but there is a 3rd method of getting paid … and that’s not getting paid because you didn’t get a payment up front!
Always get a payment up front!
Stefan Mischook
