Graphic Design and the Client

[newconceptdesign]

I hope someone will help me with that. I have designed a logo, and a business card for my client. He has received a copy of a file for printing on the CD. Now he wants original file, so he can change the content and create business cards for other people in his company.

I will probably release the file but for the future. Would you charge a fee for that. I would rather create a new set of files for him for a small fee.

I look at photography to compare it. You go back to your photographer for additional pictures and you are not allowed to make your own copies or scans as it is against copyright rules, even though, it is your portrait.

If you have any experience in that matter, I would appreciate your insight.

[weslinda]

Well, a lot of this has to do with your relationship with the client, and what you've set forth in the contract.

If he paid you for the design, and you did not limit what he gets, then you'd have to give him the file.

It's tough, because is the headache worth the extra small fee you'd get. Also, does he have the software you'd use? Can you do it faster and save him money? These are clients that are tough to please, and they are cheap to boot.

[newconceptdesign]

I did not set up a contract, and I believe I will have to do it in the future.

Yes, client is cheap, and most importantly, he does not understand that he may not get the results necessary for printing.

I have released the file in Corel Draw format, but the client does not have the software for that. How far I should go with converting files to please the client? It is not my fault he does not use certain software.

I have fulfilled the order, and he did not mention that he would like to create additional business cards on his own.

My problem is to find a fine line between pleasing the client and not working for free. E-mailing back and forth has already taken some time.

Anyway, thanks a lot for your answer. I will have to think how to solve it.

[weslinda]

The real key to this particular client is future value. Will this client bring you more business? Will this client refer business?

I would not change a file to a format he would like. I'd simply state that you use this program, and that's the file type you have. Of course, exporting isn't a big issue, so it's not like getting it into an EPS or other file type would be really difficult.

In the end, contracts really help define the relationship for this type of work. Also, when releasing the file, make sure he signs a waiver for any issues that are created on his end. Should he lose the file, or corupt the file, there is a $25 fee to provide him with a replacement file.

Of course, most people, such as a customer like this, think they can do so much on their own, I tend to let them, and after a bit, they come back, when they realize they can't do it like I can.

[davebarnes]

I would give him the original artwork.
You are under no obligation to convert it to any other format.

My contract with my clients states that they own everything I create as they paid for it.

And, yes, you should have a contract.

,dave

[newconceptdesign]

Yes, the problem is that after branding, he was supposed to work with me on his web site. This is why, I have decided to convert his work to Photo Shop.

I have already mentioned that there are no guarantees or support for the file I will be releasing.

Anyway, your reply was very helpful. It was the first time I had this problem and I will be very careful with my next contract.

All the best.

[newconceptdesign]

I have stated that the client owns the copyright. The contract was to produce files ready for the printer. My client has received these files via e-mail and on CD. There was nothing in the contract that he requires original file for future modifications.

As I have mentioned, I had decided to go the extra step as contract did not clearly stated what will happen with the original. Basically, I don't want a bad word about my service to go around. Even though, I feel that the client demands to much of me.

I have learned the lesson, and I will be careful next time.

[weslinda]

It's always a learning process. That's the fun of owning your own business. We have all had some instance of a client like this.