Freelancers, what is your proofing process?

[breecreative]

Heyo...

I'm curious how the freelancers on this forum handle proofing for small print runs. Also, what to you charge for markup on print projects? Do you list this out and tell the client you are charging them? Currently I charge 20% on the cost with a $15 minimum for print pricing comparison and handling/delivery when possible.

I have small print production (laser/digital) experience, as well as a background managing larger print/mail processing campaigns for clients. When I worked in these areas we would have the larger clients sign off on a physical proofs. I find this cumbersome now that I am freelancing, as most print runs range from $50-$500.00, and it's hard enough to get the client to return an email with approval.

I currently email a PDF proof to the client. In the email I ask them to please reply with approval of the proof. I keep it simple, but some mishaps as of late are making me question my system. My thought was to create a proof form, that lists some basic info on proofing for clients. BUT, I need to keep it simple so that it's relevant and useful for my clients and not just more work for them.


EXAMPLE OF IDEAS (to add to the proof form)

• Estimated print turnaround (per print job)
• Print Pricing
• "This proof is designed to make sure both content (spelling, address ect) and design are correct and approved by the client. Color proofing would need to be handled with a physical proofing process, please ask for details."
• How do I handle the electronic "signature" or do I need to even worry about it?
• "Please contact me via email or phone (list both) with any visual or textual changes. Keep in mind that once the proofing process is complete the print order is placed, this is when the estimated print turnaround begins."


Any ideas/sample proof forms?

What do you charge for print handling? Do you tell the client your charges.


thanks!

[PrintDriver]

Not allowed to discuss pricing here...

[breecreative]

Originally Posted by PrintDriver

Not allowed to discuss pricing here...

Sure... I can seek this information else where. Thank you for that useful information.

[PrintDriver]

No really. The rules in this forum don't allow it.
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=21482

As for how to deal with proofing, you can't make someone do something they don't want to do.
If your clients are signing off on errors because they can't be bothered to look at the proofs, what can you do? <shrug>
If they aren't getting back to you, a nicely worded email and PHONE CALL saying they will lose their production slot and will not be rescheduled until some response is received, along with suspension of due date, and in extreme cases mention of breach of contract, also sometimes works.
The reason you have a contract spelling everything out is for just such occasions.
The reason you get a deposit before work starts is for expenses incurred up to the point of failure to communicate.

If you've run a print business you know this. You should also know standard markup of product.
As a freelancer do you have a tax ID and are you able to collect sales tax? If so, you should be working with your printer on a resale discount. You may not have enough work to make it worthwhile for them though. So you are stuck with less of a markup until your client base warrants a larger one based on more wholesale product purchased.
Or simply charge all the market will bear.