Web Design: Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
The first time this happened, I was designing an initial web site for a non-profit foundation board I was familiar with. There were problems with the project from the beginning, in that no one was offering design ideas or providing feedback on the three prototype sites I developed. Once they did, the board decided they liked a combination of two, explaining how they wanted the designs combined. With deadlines quickly approaching, I and several other board members understood this design was the one and I began building pages. However, as I started constructing the site, three board members met and decided they really didn't like the design after all. Hours of work had just been wiped out. With approval in writing, everyone is more likely to understand the web development stage is underway and there's no turning back, at least not without additional cost to the client.
The second instance also involved a non-profit organization with a slightly different twist. Offering my time and expertise as a volunteer, I had provided an executive director with four designs, and he selected the one that best met his needs. Again, I neglected to have the client sign off on the chosen design. In this case I hadn't actually started building the site when I got a call that it just so happened the director had a niece with training in web design. She had seen the proposed site designs and wanted to give some feedback and revisions. It seemed odd someone was offering feedback after the client had selected their design, but with nothing in writing I had little choice but to go along. Again, had the client signed off as approving the design, he may very well have reconsidered having his niece review the designs or had her do so before choosing one.
Having the client sign off as approving the design applies whether you're working with a paying client or as a volunteer. As a volunteer, you may not have the option of charging the client extra, but you can make it clear any revisions requested after sign off will mean that you charge the client from that point forward. In either case the outcome is the same - extra tine and work is required because the client changed their mind. With nothing documented you have no recourse but to make the revisions at the agreed fee or as a volunteer, to keep working on the project. As a volunteer it's easier to walk away than from paid work, but you also have to assess if taking such action is best for your business in the long-term.
Once a client has given their approval for a web site design, insist someone in the organization with authority sign off, with the understanding that any major changes will result in additional costs. The person giving approval could be a project or team leader, executive director, manager, etc. Give a copy of the form/statement to the client and keep one for your records. Not only is it good business, should the client decide they don't like the design you've implemented, you have a written statement of approval and a means of financial compensation for your work.
Related Tags: business, web design, graphic design, approval, sign off, client approval
Kathryn Schleich is a writer by training with over 15 years experience. She is in final year of studies in graphic and web design, and plans to build a business around these three areas.
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