It’s strange – there are actually clients out there who believe that their actions, or lack thereof, have a direct bearing on what you’re to be paid. For a better explanation, go over to the Irreverent Freelancer blog and read her experience. I’m quoting Kathy a lot these days because her experiences are learning ones for all of us.
Kathy’s run into a situation that most of us have faced. The writer completes the project. The client changes his mind about the content or direction after the fact. But see, he’s used up his budget on the writer, and he still doesn’t have what he wanted. His confusion translates into the writer’s problem the minute he utters the words “We decided not to use that, but we’d like to offer you partial payment in exchange for more work.”
Okay, some of us have actually taken that offer. I can’t remember doing it, but I’m sure I did at some point. At first, you don’t quite see the problem. It takes a few rounds of “This isn’t quite what we’re hoping for” and a few more “Gee, we can’t quite make up our minds over here” coupled with your ever-reduced fees for putzing around with these people to realize you’re getting the shaft.
It’s like this – you’re contracted to do A. You do A. You deliver A. Then the note comes back – shucks, we didn’t use that because we’re headed in a different direction/unsure what message we want to send/can’t match our own socks/etc. But we’d like to offer you a reduced rate for that one and we’d like to keep you on for the next one.
Your only response should be: Thank you for your response. While I understand how projects can get out of hand, I did in fact deliver per our agreement. Please remit payment in full.”
Oh, and then run the other way very quickly. Keep only those clients who understand that fulfilling a contract that they signed to equals full payment for you. Nothing less, okay?
Great advice, Lori! Love your overall message: to make it as writers we must dig deep, have guts, and be firm. 🙂
Smiles,
Michele
My contracts include the following:
That the project falls within X parameters within X dates, and the price quoted includes 2 revisions.
Now, the most important:
“Additional revisions and/or change of direction will be billed at $100/per hour.”
No like, no sign, no work.
Otherwise, you’re coughing it up.
Yeah, well, I’m still waiting for a response from the client I detailed in my post. He was conveniently “sick” the day I told him I’d have to charge him for everything except revisions. Thus, he would have to discuss it with his supervisor when her returns to work. I don’t care what he and his supervisor discuss. I’ll be happy to discuss it with the FBI if I don’t get paid.
Great line, Devon.
Kathy, I’ve no doubt you’ll get your cash. 🙂
I had a client do this to me once. I delivered a series of ten articles, written exactly to his specifications, and he refused to pay me because “now that I see them, they just weren’t what I had in mind.” GRRRR
Oh debra, I’m sorry to hear it. Not surprised at all, but still sorry. And I’d bet good money he used them anyway (keep looking on the Internet for key phrases – my guess is something will show up).
Where do these people come from, anyway?