Hello,

I've been webdesigning for myself quite some time now, been years. It's kinna like a hobby. Recently I decided to make some extra money so I started on my first client like 1 week ago, to webdesign for his site.

webdesigning sometimes it's quite fun but sometimes it's boring because clients have like so many products and every pages are almost the same. My question is.... do you make them pay some $$ up front first or you finished the project before they pay you? What is the most professional way to request payment without really asking for money directly? Because it would be sux if you done all that work and they said they don't want it or something.... it would be wasted time. Is there a way that would make each other feel safe, trusted, and comfortable with future businesses.

If anyone can give me some of their advices to help me (noobie start up designer) that would be wonderful!

Zan

do you make them pay some $$ up front first or you finished the project before they pay you?

You can ask for a portion up front and the remainder at completion of the job.

The NUMBER 1 rule - GET IT IN WRITING. Do NOT do this on a handshake. Set out all the terms and conditions, the project scope, payments etc. and you both sign in agreement.

What is the most professional way to request payment without really asking for money directly?

Why would you NOT ask to be paid for your efforts ?? Most people invoice a client for services rendered. Billing is a normal part of business.

Is there a way that would make each other feel safe, trusted, and comfortable with future businesses.

That's what CONTRACTS are for. As I said lay everything out in writing before you do anything.

Thanks LadynRed,

This give me a better idea on what to do now. yea, the problem is the idea just pops outta my head "let's webdesign to make extra money!!!!" and I posted an ad on craigslist WITHOUT perparation and businesses had been e-mailing me. That was my mistake that cause me a little stressed out.


Zan

-The best way is to make a Contract with your clients.
-About the Payments: i ask 60% from price before to start the project and the rest of 40% before to clients get the final work (with or without contract)
-I prefer payments by Bank not PayPall where the clients can redraw because of some stupid reasons.
If he want to redraw his money he must to announce with at least 7days before to make that move.
If I consider the reasons have "SF" exculpations and he's interest is to just still some works from you/me and he still want to make the withdrawal, he can make it in court
************************************************** ******
it happening to me .. 1nce .. on a US$9.000 project around 80%, he ask me to show them online a 100% functional test
Wat they do? .... they rip the flash from the site and make print screen to it (the rest was protected by codes), and after 3days i find a similar work (like my project) with his name on it.

##### So. Be careful. ##### Good Luck #####