Should I give up on my freelance client?

[wienerdog]

I've had trouble getting ahold of a small ad agency I did freelance work for. I didn't set up a contract, which was probably a mistake, but I took the work just to get some extra money on the side. The rate I charge is probably half going rate for design, about $12/hr, but they don't have much of a large-budget client base.

I was in the middle of redesigning a site for one of their clients, and haven't heard back from them. I called and left a message, and e-mailed. I think I'll give it one more shot, but I'm thinking I should try finding new clients that can afford to pay a fair price for my work. It's pretty rude of her to not get back to me either way about continuing work.

[morea]

seems we all have to learn the hard way not to work without a contract. There are some samples here: http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7892 if you want to have a look over them.

they could be out of town, there could be any number of reasons for the delay. You might consider sending an invoice for the work you have done to date and see if that gets a response. I wouldn't go any farther without clarifying that you will be reimbursed for your work.

Also, you shouldn't undersell yourself. Not only because it is unfair to *you* but it also cheapens the way that people look at our profession. As I have said before, "When you get right down to it, if you discount every job just to get the contract you can end up coming to the unhappy realization that you are actually paying your clients for the privilege of working for them."

You may find this thread helpful:

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8380

Good luck.

[mattborghi]

i learned working at small service providers to get cash upfront. all my life i didn't want to pay for anything until i saw it, but you know, with this work, it's best that you set the ground rules, and let people play by them or not.

i usually quote a job and ask for 100% up front. since this is just the beginning of a negotiation, really, i usually get 50-75%, but still even if I have to eat a job, like a lot of places, I've worked at have, i still get something, and i also get to know that the person/firm i'm working with is a scumbag, which could be truly priceless in and of itself...

really, though, most people are honest. it isn't like we're selling a used car, or a stereo system... our clients are usually people who need a designer, and once they find one they'll either stick with them, or keep looking until they find one they can work the best with. working with clients is a long-term arrangement, professionalism, and honesty are part of the deal, and any pro knows that reciprocity is the name of the game.

as for your client, make sure your friends and other designers are aware of how this firm conducts business... after all, if they couldn't come up with enough money to make your 12 bucks an hour, then they probably couldn't to begin with, and further due dilligence on your part would have revealed that they weren't on the up and up...

live and learn... i've certainly been in your shoes, before, though, as most have so rest assured it will work out...

[EC]

Do you have anything in writing (emails, etc.)?

Before you just "give up" I would let them know that you've stopped work based on their non-response; that you have neglected to formalize the agreement but have nonetheless invested X amount of time to date based on your oral agreement; that you feel at this point that you will need to square things up and get a signed contract before you continue in order to facilitate communication about the project and the nature of your working relationship going forward.

Then, send a contract. :)

Be sure to hang on to anything you've got in writing just in case they decide to blow you off. Sometimes people make *mistakes* and rather than honoring their obligations, decide to make YOU pay for them. Good luck! :)

[wienerdog]

Thanks for the advice. I didn't get a contract and didn't like the way the client was doing things, especially for the pay. I have found out they hired someone, after asking what the status was of the project.

Oh well, I lost my first freelance client. Meh....

[CatintheHat1]

I wouldn't worry about it, sounds more like you just lost your first freelance headache.

Cat

[G-Man79]

Chin up WD. They probably weren't worth the hassle anyway. Keep on keepin' on!

[wienerdog]

Thanks for the support, everyone. I guess I should start attending Graphic Design Meet-ups in Philadelphia, and try some networking with other designers. Maybe I can make some connections in the industry that I guess are sorely needed to be successful as a freelancer.

[greyghost]

No use crying over spilt milk, wiener... just try not to spill it again, and clean it up before it goes sour.

In other words, contract, my man, contract.