number of samples submitted 2

[pbb]

Hello everyone,
I'm a web designer and was just wondering how many samples do you all submit to your clients, for let's say a home page or a splash screen, before going "Enough already!" ?? or charging Xtra.
Thanks!

Patricia

 

[TulsaJeff]

Well....maybe I have been fortunate so far but I have never had to show more than 3 or 4. I do not wanna be taken advantage of but I do want to please them beyond their expectation. I say its a very fine line drawn in the sand. It may even be something that needs to be discussed...for instance tell them that they get X number of samples or spalsh screen samples right up front and after that their will be a small charge for additional work. We sell time and talent. I think too many times we give away more time than we sell. This must be discussed with the client from the git-go and I beleive that most of them will be very understanding. Ya' Gotta Love It!X-)

 

[pbb]

Thanks Jeff for your time and answer

Actually, that's what I've been doing all along. I propose 3 samples and if none of them are accepted, I offer to do a fourth one, but this time entirely to the specifications of the clients (colors, style etc) Until now, all my clients have been happy with one of the first three. But now I have two problems : one is a client who after the 11 th (!!!!) sample is still not happy, and the other one is a new designer we got on our team. This designer wants to be paid extra after.... the first sample! So I'm trying to navigate between the two and I was wondering how other web developpers handled these questions...
Thanks again

Patricia

 

[TulsaJeff]

It appears that a compromise is in order. As far as the designer on your team... he is gonna need to be a little more flexible. I think 3 is a real good batch of samples to start with and maybe even a 4th if the need arises. That is not outside the realms of good customer service.

On the other hand... If you have an ultra indecisive customer.. then I would sit down with him and explain the situation. Let him know that we are gonna have to come to an agreement on the design package and What can I do to bring this deal to a close. Something along those lines.

It can get hairy at times for a web designer and I have to say.. my most un-favorite part is dealing with the client. but it is all in a days work I guess.

Good Luck! Ya' Gotta Love It!X-)

 

[pbb]

Jeff,

Thanks a lot for your time and good advice and here is a little star for you ;-)

Patricia

 

[KillerChihuahua]

I once did a fourth for free but have to agree, 3 is the usual number.

 

[pbb]

Thanks for your input Killerchihuahua

Patricia

 

[MikeBarone]

I am in the same prediciment with a client and I had to draw the line. He is the type of guy that I don't think will ever be happy.

I did 3 and then told him he get's one more shot then he has to decide or be charged XX for each additional proposal.

He suddenly decided on one. He still whines but after it is released he will be happy. Or that is his problem. You just can't please them all.

For the record. I normally submit one or 2 proposals max and the tweaks are usually minimal.

I have found it VERY beneficial to tell them to find 3 sites they absolutely love and 3 sites they absolutely hate and tell me why. This gives me an idea of the type of site they are looking for. Use that information and roll it into the basic functionality the site has to have and you usually get a winner. » » » » » »
Mike Barone

http://www.cgiscript.net

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http://www.cgiscript.net/scripts.htm

 

[pbb]

Hello Mike,
Thanks for the suggestion about asking the client to find three sites they love and three sites they hate. Great idea! I usually ask them to show me sites they like, but never sites they hate. Good idea.
Thanks again

Patricia