blackpaws 18 Posted April 12, 2014 Okay so this is a follow up to my last thread about what I did wrong. Just a recap - a friend of a friend wanted decals. I made a proof, and instead of placing an order right away they said they were in conversation with 2 other shops. Well today they got backed to me and asked me to change a couple things on the proof and resend it.That's ALL they said. Nothing about whether I had the best prices, for sure going with me, or anything. Just wanted some changes to the proof. I have decided I'm not doing anything else until I see a dollar from this person. How do I tell them they aren't getting jack shit from me until they place an order and pay in full, but in the nicest way possible? I'm not good with words and it's late. If you all want to share your policies on these types of scenarios and what you would say, that would help tremendously. Thanks!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted April 12, 2014 Invoice them for the total job, with a request for 50% deposit to proceed. On the invoice, that policy should be noted at the bottom. This is called a Pro-Forma Invoice. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pshawny 410 Posted April 12, 2014 Yep, just tell them you need a 50% deposit to move forward. Say that you will provide the requested design modification and send a proof after receiving the deposit. It's common practice. Unless you want to be in the business of designing stuff for the shop down the road to make because they were $1 cheaper than you. It's also pretty standard to limit design changes without additional design charges. Let's say 3 simple changes free of charge, then it's 1/2 hour minimum charge for more changes. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skarekrow 1,842 Posted April 12, 2014 +1 on what the others have said... as well as taking the correspondence opportunity to remind them that the proof they currently have belongs to you (if that's the case). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted April 12, 2014 probably someone they know just bought a cutter. invoice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vermonster 111 Posted April 12, 2014 What kind of proof are yoy sending? Jpg? Watermark it too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joker 618 Posted April 12, 2014 Yes watermark it for sure.. I had a similar case and they took my design and ran with it.. Now i watermark everything with a light color in the background so they cannot get it out Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skarekrow 1,842 Posted April 12, 2014 Most watermarks are not too much trouble to remove however, most folks that are skilled at it arent asking others for proofs. Additionally,on proofs, misspelling the business name, phone number, and any other text info will thward other, less skilled, "clients". 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OWJones 1,981 Posted April 12, 2014 Most watermarks are not too much trouble to remove however, most folks that are skilled at it arent asking others for proofs.Additionally,on proofs, misspelling the business name, phone number, and any other text info will thward other, less skilled, "clients". I did this for a potential client who seemed a little shady - he didn't want a picture or printed proof, he wanted an actual shirt to see how it would look "in real life", so I put 000-000-0000 as the phone number and the first thing he said was "Oh... the phone number is wrong" and frowned... I told him it was for proofing purposes and he lost interest in ordering from me... Not that I think there was a whole lot of interest, I suspect he was wanting the one "proof" to take home and "show the wife" and I'd never see him or his money again... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JessXEmoji 46 Posted April 12, 2014 I wouldnt bother with the hassel of having someone design me a shirt just so I could get 1 free shirt. Think i could spend my time better lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted April 12, 2014 I did this for a potential client who seemed a little shady - he didn't want a picture or printed proof, he wanted an actual shirt to see how it would look "in real life", so I put 000-000-0000 as the phone number and the first thing he said was "Oh... the phone number is wrong" and frowned... I told him it was for proofing purposes and he lost interest in ordering from me... Not that I think there was a whole lot of interest, I suspect he was wanting the one "proof" to take home and "show the wife" and I'd never see him or his money again... You should have put your phone number on it. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skarekrow 1,842 Posted April 12, 2014 You should have put your phone number on it. Ha... that's it! I usually keep things somewhat close to what they want so they can see most of the actual lettters and numerals they would be getting. Still funnier to put your own though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted April 13, 2014 Show me the money Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted April 13, 2014 I had the reverse happen. I had a customer (some one I know even) come to me with someone else's art work and wanted to "give me the job/sale" so she wanted to give me the other peoples art work/proof to use. I told her I was uncomfortable with that as I did not do the art work. I said I would be happy to come up with something on my own to show her and if she liked it we could run with it.. if not, I would prefer she us the other company. She ended up liking my work better and things went smoothly! I got the sale with MY artwork! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djque 246 Posted April 23, 2014 I would charge a design free then after that. I would design it and take a picture with my cellphone while its still on my computer then text it or email it to them. something like this. I only send out designs like this. with no payment. No Need To watermark 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
