Quick advice needed on project quote

[netwr]

Hello all,

I hope someone could give me a quick advice.

I just designed a box layout for a company and they chose one that they liked. Now they're requesting me to give them a new quote on 4-12 upcoming projects using the same design (I guess they're mostly packaging that they want the same look).

How should I able to quote with this quantity of projects? They'd like to have quotes on 4/8/12 projects.

So for example, if I charged them a grand to design that box layout (the one that they chose), so on a 4-project quote would it be silly to just multiply one grand X 4?

Many thanks

[budafist]

If it's the same design and you are only using the original packaging as a template, then I think it would be fair to make it cheaper.

If you are designing new things, then it is fair to charge the same rate as before.

[3howards]

^ what budafist said

[netwr]

hi, i am back with another issue, hope fellow members can input/comment

i quoted the client based on the 4, 8 and 12-pkg, with 4 being the highest price and as quantity goes up the price decreases

the client accepted the 12-pkg deal, which is obvious, because it's got the lowest price...but, here's the issue:

in my contract, i stated 50% of total payment before project begins. The client disagreed, and wanting to pay only 50% of the first box to get started.

The problem that I see is, if the client have me do 5 boxes and then for some reason cancel out the rest of the 7 in the middle of the deal, then i'd be making a fool of myself because the price quote that I gave them originally was for 12 boxes

Also, on top of that they demend me to do a free project for them just for signing the deal.

Is it a fair deal? I just want to play safe and deserve what I should get

thanks for reading

[Craig B]

A free project? What the? That could be almost anything. I think you need to politely stick to your guns. If they signed the contract for 50% up front, that's what they pay. Period.

That's my 2 cents at least. In the end make the decision that you feel most comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable with it, then most likely you're getting the short end of the stick.

[Jackimalyn]

you dont owe them anything for signing with them. nothing free. (be nice) but be firm. Thats what i would do at least.

[netwr]

A free project? What the? That could be almost anything. I think you need to politely stick to your guns. If they signed the contract for 50% up front, that's what they pay. Period.

That's my 2 cents at least. In the end make the decision that you feel most comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable with it, then most likely you're getting the short end of the stick.

The funny thing is they modified the contract I sent them and shot it back with what they preferred.

In the contract I stated 50% of total quote up front before project starts, they modified the contract to 50% of the first package

The freebie job they want me to do is a poster based on the package

[Craig B]

Take Jackimalyn's advice on the free poster. Maybe ... maybe, offer them a discount on the poster (25%?), but never do anything for free.

And they modified your contract before signing it??? Once again, be firm, but polite and professional.

If they want to try and screw with you, work it back on them.

Let's say your original price was $100 per package, but you discounted it to $75 per package for 12 packages (totaling $900). If they want to pay 50% per package, tell them that you're willing to let them pay 50% of the $100 non discounted cost per package for the first 9 packages (recouping the $900 initial quote), at which point you will provide the remaining 3 packages at no additional cost (still following all the same limitations to number of revisions, etc.)

At least, that's what I would do. There might be a better way to handle it, but that's my 2 cents.

[netwr]

Take Jackimalyn's advice on the free poster. Maybe ... maybe, offer them a discount on the poster (25%?), but never do anything for free.

And they modified your contract before signing it??? Once again, be firm, but polite and professional.

If they want to try and screw with you, work it back on them.

Let's say your original price was $100 per package, but you discounted it to $75 per package for 12 packages (totaling $900). If they want to pay 50% per package, tell them that you're willing to let them pay 50% of the $100 non discounted cost per package for the first 9 packages (recouping the $900 initial quote), at which point you will provide the remaining 3 packages at no additional cost (still following all the same limitations to number of revisions, etc.)

At least, that's what I would do. There might be a better way to handle it, but that's my 2 cents.

They modified the contract with the free poster included and 50% of the first box to get started, signed it, and shot it back to me.

[Craig B]

I think you should resend the contract and request that they don't make changes to it, or send an updated contract from yourself to make sure you still get your fair share (as I quickly outlined above.)

[Kool]

They are pulling the classic carrot & stick rutine on you. The way Craig outlined it a couple posts above is the way to deal with them.The half up front on ALL the projects is the only thing that will guarantee you get them all.

[frankster]

They modified the contract with the free poster included and 50% of the first box to get started, signed it, and shot it back to me.

Blimey, that's beyond cheeky! Modify your cost to include thier first born and send it back to them ;) On a more serious note though Craig does have sound reasoning on this one with his suggestion. I hate stuff like this and often just walk away from it, as it's usually a sign of more trouble to come. Good luck.

[daSnarf]

thats some crazzzzzy BS. =)

First, I think them trying to tell you to "throw in" a project is horsehooey. They are trying to take advantage of you. It almost shows they dont respect you as a business person. Is this a long term client? Is this someone who you KNOW will give you a lot of consistant, nice paying work? THOSE are the clients you give perks to. Least In my opinion.

If I noticed they had changed the contract, I would CALL them and let them know you saw the change. Inform them that what they are requesting will require a different quote and then rewrite the contract to cover your arse.

[CamarotaDesign]

Is this something where you are desperate for the work? because sounds like they are going to try and squeeze you as much as possible. Seems like you already did spec work for them (you said that you had to design something before they even gave you a contract) check out www.no-spec.com. And don't do business with anyone that wont pay you up-front before you start work.

At this point, if you need the work bad, as long as you only have to do 1 unique design, just sign the contract. If they want 12 unique designs FUNK DAT!!!!!

[greyghost]

I agree with some of the other posts here.

If they are being this shady up front, it is a sign of things to come and likely you will have nothing but headaches from them. They obviously do not respect you as a business person... and modifying your contract like that? BULLHOCKEY! What a sleazy thing to do. I'd be tempted to up my prices.

If they are so intent on the cheap, and they do not have the full 1/2 up front, then how do you know they have the money to pay you at all?

I'd be tempted to walk away from them. They do not sound ethical. Reply with your original contract, with the 50% deposit, and a firm "these are my terms" and see what they do. If they do not try to negotiate, or see if there is an agreeable way to level with you that makes YOU happy and does NOT make you feel cheated, then walk away.

I just fired a client recently who was more headache than he was worth, even though he represented a large organization and the project was one that I truly identified with. I had a bad feeling about it, but I wanted it - it would have been such a portfolio piece and something to brag about. Well, it was all lies, and after 3 months of total frustration, too many hours, bending over backwards... I said enough. Bye. I'm out. Good luck.

I have on my wall, right over my monitor where I can see it, 'NO DISCOUNTS.' The case was a non-profit, and I have decided I cannot even give them preferential treatment. If you do, then you have to raise your prices somewhere to make up for it. And then too... one discount leads to another. Where does it end?