So I've been doing web design on the side for a while but it's only now that I've decided to take it official and part of doing that is getting my crap in order. So I've been getting documents ready etc for the first 'official' client. I'm an organised guy, I'm not new to being self employed or running a business but I want to have an idea in my head of how it's meant to go. Make sure I don't miss anything really because everything I've done upto this point hasn't exactly been a formal process. So I'd like a quick rundown of how you tend to go about things. Maybe refine the process I have in my head or perhaps we can all incorporate some new ideas. Whatever.

 

I can't help but feeling I'm missing something glaringly obvious and vital. Or doing it our of order. Essentially it's this ;

• Get client, discuss what they want/like/dislike/do for a living.
  
• Go off, do a bit of research, do some basic wireframe mockups and colour pallettes.
  
• Discuss it some more with the prospective client, do a bit more research, come up with a price.
  
• If they agree to the price then I write up the contract/invoice/etc and send it off to them. In duplicate, pre-signed and dated by me, return envelope.
  
• They sign both, keep one, return it. Pay the deposit and work starts.
  
• Work finishes, they pay whatever is left. Hand it over to them
  

 

My question really is how much work do you do upfront, on average, before you get a signed contract/deposit? Kinda feels like doing Wireframes/Research/Pallettes for every prospective client could get old quick if I'm not getting people interested, but I can't imagine someone paying proper money or signing anything before they see atleast something like that?

Edited July 25, 201115 yr by Glowbridge

My question really is how much work do you do upfront, on average, before you get a signed contract/deposit? Kinda feels like doing Wireframes/Research/Pallettes for every prospective client could get old quick if I'm not getting people interested, but I can't imagine someone paying proper money or signing anything before they see atleast something like that?

 

What they should be looking at beforehand is your portfolio. You shouldn't have to engage in design work prior to the contract being signed - doing work on spec will be injurious to your time and your business.

Don't do anything before the deposit is sitting comfortably in your bank account of choice!

No seriously... nothing. Don't even entertain a thought in your mind.

Thanks for the replies guys. Re-Jigged my process now =)

Just asking to be ripped off and them show our work to a cheaper designer if there is no cold cash in your hand.

 

It is difficult to ask for these things first when you start out alone, but confidence in your ability and a couple of bad apple clients soon fix that!