I found myself in an awkward situation lately... I just finished a web site and biz cards for one of my clients and... she was a pleasure to work with, however she appears to be very undecided person, she wants this and that element here just to state later that she wants it there. Now, I don't have a problem with that, because in my contract is clearly stated that after finished work 3 revisions are available and all the extra work will be charged normally with hourly rate. She answered 'ahh, I forgot, sorry' the first time when I pointed out this out, however she keeps asking me for changes and last updates were very quick to do, 3 minutes tops work, so I went ahead and did it. However in the same e-mail when she asked for them, she said that she ought not to pay fees for changes considering the number of referrals she has given me. So did she have a hidden agenda? Now, indeed in one week I got 3 new clients and I sense that it's not over yet... I didn't have a chance to reply to the e-mail, b/c in the next one she thanked me for changes, but now I'm thinking... should I reward her some way if I close? I deeply appreciate it, but all the clients pay me for maintenance, it would be a bit unfair.

 

And in general, do YOU reward your clients for referrals in any way besides just saying "nice to hear, thank you"? I'm really curious.

Where possible if i feel it is the right thing to do, i will offer a referral fee. normally 10% or so. If she is bringing in 3 extra customers a week, i wouldnt argue too much.

 

Are you also offering hosting for her? it all depends on what she is getting, if the changes are a word change here or there, thats different to a complete overhaul.

 

If your really worried about her not paying you, send me 1 of the jobs she has given you, ill give you the 10% as a referral fee and then you can treat that as her paying you - or you work out what 10% is worth, and just give her that value of your time.

 

Reaper