Hey guys!

 

Haven't been on the site for ages due to uni applications/xmas and all that

 

I don't know whether you know already, but I am in my last year at sixthform and will hopefully be studying web design at uni next from september time this year if I meet my offer.

 

I have been asked by a relative if I would be interested in designing a new site for their choir group, with potential to get a little bit of money for it. This is my first major 'real' project if you will. In the past it has been for free.

 

My questions go as follows:

 

1. It is very informal, as the client is obviously related to me. I want to arrange a time for the main reps of the group to get together and talk about it, and draw up a actual spec of what they actually want, rather than just going through one person- is this a good idea?

 

2. Although it is informal, would it be a good idea to draw up a basic contract, just to get in the habit of it- if so, what would be good for it to contain?

 

3. Tick box or signiture?

 

4. Meetings- what is the standard, 'done' thing? I have had a basic, informal one just chatting about it, but would like to draw up a spec to work to, and natuarally progress/hiccup/complete project etc.

 

5. I have talked to a variety of people in the field, and have wondered, more for the future, are designers/developers paid after completing a project? 50% after the spec? When it begins? Hourly?

 

6. ^ What do you do?

 

7. What are the best web hosts- naturally I want something that is reliable for the client, and doesn't have too much space limitations for me! Tried free ones in the past, but getting fed up of moving around due to downtime issues. Same goes for domains.

 

8. Any other good habits to get into?

 

9. Tips of the trade?

 

10. Updating- do you do it, or do clients via a easy cms?

 

 

I know its a relative, and lots of people have told me I'm thinking too deeply about it, but I just want to make sure everything runs smoothly, and everyone knows where they stand!

 

Thanks

 

Even though it's for a relative treat this as if they were a "proper" client - you might want to ask them to "play the customer" for you so you can practice being in a real world situation and give you some feedback at the end.

 

1. It is very informal, as the client is obviously related to me. I want to arrange a time for the main reps of the group to get together and talk about it, and draw up a actual spec of what they actually want, rather than just going through one person- is this a good idea?

Having an initial meeting is a good idea...

 

2. Although it is informal, would it be a good idea to draw up a basic contract, just to get in the habit of it- if so, what would be good for it to contain?

I'd say so yes, you aren't related to the whole choir and if things turn sour you will have something to fall back on.

 

3. Tick box or signiture?

Signature!

 

4. Meetings- what is the standard, 'done' thing? I have had a basic, informal one just chatting about it, but would like to draw up a spec to work to, and natuarally progress/hiccup/complete project etc.

There isn't a set format and is usually dictated by the size of project and other things. You might want to arrange meeting at key stages, ie when you have a draft design to show them, when you have the site built and ready to go live.

 

5. I have talked to a variety of people in the field, and have wondered, more for the future, are designers/developers paid after completing a project? 50% after the spec? When it begins? Hourly?

That varies from project to project but getting money up front is a good step - whether this is 30% - 50% or 100% is up to you. Whether you chrage an hourly rate or fixed fee is again down to you - on some occasions charging by the hour might make the project overly expensive.

 

6. ^ What do you do?

I usually assess the project first but usually end up quoting a fixed fee for work stated in the contract, anything extra is normally chraged at an hourly rate.

 

7. What are the best web hosts- naturally I want something that is reliable for the client, and doesn't have too much space limitations for me! Tried free ones in the past, but getting fed up of moving around due to downtime issues. Same goes for domains.

Search the fourms as hosting has been discussed many times

 

8. Any other good habits to get into?

Always go the extra mile!

 

9. Tips of the trade?

Always be professional when dealing with clients, even if they are related.

 

10. Updating- do you do it, or do clients via a easy cms?

That depends on the customer and what they want, suggest the various options to your client and take it from there.

Thanks so, so, so much. I like the idea of getting him to be the 'practice run' if you like.

 

Thanks so much for this!

What I usually do is send them my client needs form which details all of their website requirements. A meeting afterwards is a good idea to run through their requirements with them and some ideas/suggestions you may have. Then I process a quote and contract (even if family!) for the project and explicitly state an hourly fee if extras/amendments are necessary. If they are happy, they sign and I get on with the project, taking payment in 2 or 3 instalments throughout the project, but you should find a system that suits you. Good luck!

1. It is very informal, as the client is obviously related to me. I want to arrange a time for the main reps of the group to get together and talk about it, and draw up a actual spec of what they actually want, rather than just going through one person- is this a good idea?

 

It is always a good idea to involve anyone involved in the project at the initial meeting.

 

2. Although it is informal, would it be a good idea to draw up a basic contract, just to get in the habit of it- if so, what would be good for it to contain?

 

A set of terms will always come in handy for funny customers. Mine include:

 

• Development - how the project will be approached.
  
• Changes/Updates - information on what is considered under warranty etc.
  
• Server - disclaimer for unexpected downtime.
  
• Recurring Costs - hosting and domain information
  

 

All sections have information regarding refunds and compensation.

 

3. Tick box or signiture?

 

I end my terms stating that by accepting a given quotation and making an initial payment is a declaration of agreement to the above terms of service.

 

I send out the terms with quotations.

 

4. Meetings- what is the standard, 'done' thing? I have had a basic, informal one just chatting about it, but would like to draw up a spec to work to, and natuarally progress/hiccup/complete project etc.

 

I like to arrange 3 meetings. The pre-quote, first draft and presentation.

 

5. I have talked to a variety of people in the field, and have wondered, more for the future, are designers/developers paid after completing a project? 50% after the spec? When it begins? Hourly?

 

Both. Quotations should be produced by timexrate. Also cover your time for meetings, travel etc.

 

6. ^ What do you do?

 

I only charge hourly on smaller jobs (the odd PHP module, graphic design etc.) but for projects I ask for 50% upfront and 50% before the site goes live. Some people get tricky and request hundreds of changes just to delay final payment or will say they would like to launch in 6 months time. For these people (people I don't feel I could trust as much as others) I give them an alternative where they pay the final payment once the agreed specifications have been met.

 

7. What are the best web hosts- naturally I want something that is reliable for the client, and doesn't have too much space limitations for me! Tried free ones in the past, but getting fed up of moving around due to downtime issues. Same goes for domains.

 

I have found becoming a reseller for a hosting company (i.e. Fasthosts) is great. Not only is it more organised having all of a clients website in your hands but you have more control and it is also a great way to build up a continuous income.

 

8. Any other good habits to get into?

 

Like mentioned above, go the extra mile. I attended a short-notice meeting last night from 9-11pm and the client was not only impressed with my work, but with my commitment, he paid me early and gave me a bit on the side. Not to mention he is now likely to recommend me.

 

9. Tips of the trade?

 

Be straight with a client upfront. As most clients don't understand the industry, you need to explain to them clearly how you work, without being technical. This saves a lot of potential misunderstandings and initial miscommunication.

 

10. Updating- do you do it, or do clients via a easy cms?

 

Give them the option, they love it! They choose CMS, you can charge them for CMS. However I find that most people don't have the time for maintenance and again, it's building that continuous income if you let them know you can update the site too.

 

 

 

I know you already got some good replies (and it was actually very interesting to see somebody else's answers) but I do like to share!