Keeping client files?

SpugNothuson · 03-20-2007, 03:51 PM

All of our clients files are kept forever, as long as the archives hold up, which are also also backed up on and off site.

If a client requests their artwork it comes at a charge, if they genuinely want it they pay, if they're just sourcing out a new printer they usually come back to us as the additional cost of the artwork puts us back as the cheapest option.

That said, some clients we do give them the artwork at no extra cost, but we know that these clients will be bringing a bucket load of work our way and have dealt with them for many years.

doubting_thomas · 03-20-2007, 05:34 PM

We keep them forever, or that's the goal. If the client wants their art back
we normally give them their original files back, no charge. We rarely give back our
actual press files, or even hi-res pdf exports of them. If they paid us to do the
design work we'd fork them over.

PrintDriver · 03-20-2007, 05:37 PM

It all depends.
What's your contract say?

bejamshi · 03-20-2007, 05:39 PM

printdriver, I do not have anything in my contract as of yet, should I put anything or just keep their files like most do?

**Buda** · 03-21-2007, 10:50 AM

We keep them for ever. We give the client a copy if they need it - but only if they ask for it. It's not standard.

C.E. · 03-23-2007, 05:42 PM

I keep things for ever too. For the most part. You know, computers crash. But you can always take something you did 2 years ago that the client never paid you on and use it for someone else! LOL.

**morea** · 03-23-2007, 05:54 PM

I burn them to a cd, which I keep on file.

From a different perspective, at the print shop where I used to work, we held film for 2 years from its last use. Camera ready copy was kept in the job jacket (these were purged after 5 years or so), and all disks were returned to the client after the job was run. I don't know how the electronic files were dealt with.

christydezignz · 03-24-2007, 12:09 AM

I plan to keep all files forever. I burn them to disk and also put them on an external HD. In my contract it states that if they want the artwork they have a charge which covers collecting all the files and handing them over and also it includes the rights, so they would then have the rights to the artwork.

mchilly · 03-28-2007, 04:42 AM

files

We keep them forever, we make a database only for the clients. All the history and information stuff are in there we make sure to keep them safe for future business wink!

DSmith928 · 08-14-2011, 10:34 PM

Keeping Client Files

I have a client who wants revisions on files that are 4-5 years old. The files were created on my ancient computer, on old software (PageMaker). In order to revise the files, I have to totally recreate most of them using different software. Any advise on how to charge for such revisions? Is there some point where you charge clients for a "new" project rather than revision fees?

hank_scorpio · 08-14-2011, 10:43 PM

What software are you using now?

InDesign can open Pagemaker files - not sure on the details but they should be on the indesign help files.

**garricks** · 08-14-2011, 11:02 PM

Originally posted by DSmith928 View Post

I have a client who wants revisions on files that are 4-5 years old. The files were created on my ancient computer, on old software (PageMaker). In order to revise the files, I have to totally recreate most of them using different software. Any advise on how to charge for such revisions? Is there some point where you charge clients for a "new" project rather than revision fees?

PageMaker files will open directly in InDesign. Use File > Open... rather than double-clicking on the icon. Then you don't have to worry about billing extra fees.
______

Moderator stuff: Welcome to the forum DSmith.

Please read these important threads posted HERE and especially HERE. They will explain a lot about how the forum runs, from the rules and regulations to frequently discussed topics to the background on some of our lingo and inside jokes.

I hope you enjoy yourself!

hank_scorpio · 08-14-2011, 11:05 PM

Some things to consider

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/324/324329.html

**Buda** · 08-14-2011, 11:20 PM

Originally posted by DSmith928 View Post

I have a client who wants revisions on files that are 4-5 years old. The files were created on my ancient computer, on old software (PageMaker). In order to revise the files, I have to totally recreate most of them using different software. Any advise on how to charge for such revisions? Is there some point where you charge clients for a "new" project rather than revision fees?

Be honest with your client and offer to update their design for them so that it looks fresh.

Keeping client files?

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment