Newspaper ads question

Bob · 05-31-2007, 04:36 PM

??? You have the source files and they want size reformats? YOU are in the driver seat there! Charge them full price for the time it takes you and don't rush it. But whatever you do, don't lose (or hand over!) those source files.

It's a no-brainer! (Or you can continue with the no-profit model if you like.)

carter the artist · 05-31-2007, 04:36 PM

you charge.

Jackimalyn · 05-31-2007, 04:39 PM

did you have a contract in the first job? Your contract should say that this is specifically for so-and-so newspaper. Any further revisions will be charges @ $XX. If your contract did not mention any revisions, (or you did not have a contract

) you are not obligated to do them and you can definately hold out and charge them. Since youve already done one, Id tell them that although you were generous enough to pop out a revision for them you will need to charge for further versions.

That is, if you want to charge them. If your not going to charge them, then your silly. especially if this is time-comsuming.

designchick · 05-31-2007, 04:40 PM

That was fast. Thanks guys.... Guess I'm a big IDIOT to think otherwise.

thanks.

Bob · 05-31-2007, 04:43 PM

This might be a good time to recall something some smart person said to me once about freelancing: what you are actually selling is pieces of your life.

Unlike your client's product or many services, these pieces are not refundable, or exchangeable. You have to appreciate for that every hour you bill for your business you will put in at LEAST two more that are non-billable.

If you give these life pieces away you also are saying that they (and by association-- you) are worthless. Save the charitable donations for the charities, if you feel the need. Lord knows that there's enough charities and causes who would appreciate your generosity much more than a cheap client.

**BJMRamage** · 05-31-2007, 07:46 PM

Broacher, good point.

It is a nice perspective to say sure, a couple five minute revisions don't seem like much but then emailing and packaging/PDFing the file and more can add up and that is lost time in your life.

designchick · 05-31-2007, 08:17 PM

Thanks for all of the advice. Also, thanks for sharing that, Broacher. I never thought of it that way. I completely agree!

So...the outcome..I charged. In case you were curious. All went well. And it actually took up the better part of the day. (Like BJMR says, things often take a lot longer than we--and of course the client--think.) And I'm really glad I checked here and got your responses.

I have to say I laughed when I read Broacher's comment to "continue with the no-profit model..." even though that stung a little! ...cause it's true; it hit home and cleary I need to reevaluate my frame of mind about how to charge and what my time is worth.

Food for thought. yum.

**Buda** · 05-31-2007, 11:57 PM

Absolutely charge an hourly rate for everything you are doing! It is standard practice.

ellamac · 06-01-2007, 04:23 AM

Going with the good advice, I can share some I was given - if each client asks for a 'quick revision' by the time you find it, change it, package it, that's at least 15 minutes. Do that for four people, and you've lost an hour of chargable time.

By allocating time in 15 mintue blocks, I have found that people ask for less 'just one more thing...'s too. They will ask for all the revisions at once. Or some do. Sometimes.

urstwile · 06-01-2007, 06:01 AM

But make sure to charge them when they don't do that. We bill in 15 minute minimum increments at the agency I work at, so a "quickie" that takes a minute to do is the same price as a change that actually takes most or all of the 15 minutes.

Newspaper ads question

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