Question for Designers & Design Customers about "ADJUSTMENTS"
 

As most designers know far too well...one of the wild cards in doing design that is tough to pinpoint in the quoting proccess is "ADJUSTMENTS"


There is one theory that you hear thrown around from clients in casual conversation that "If you're good then there shouldnt be many adjustments"

...In a perfect world yes this is true. But as designers know there are a wide range of clients...some are really easy...some will tweek and adjust to the death if you let them.


So, with all this in mind...Designers, how do you choose to handle this?

Customers, how would like to have this handled with fairness kept in mind?



The ways I see are:

1) Have an open-ended estimate that is nothing more than an ESTIMATE

2) Factor a certain amount for adjustments in your quote or packages which makes you appear higher priced

3) Quote or make packages that dont include adjustments and then charge an hourly rate for adjustments



What is your :2 cents: ?

The way I did it was 2 free minor adjustments, then they pay per hour for additional work

adjustments are adjustments

If our designer says this is it, what do you think, then it's 2-3 small things basically, images not lined out ok or a text change

logo changes complete color schemes or 'can you use another image there and slice it up in 32 slices' isnt an adjustment

Good question
 

I think it comes down to being reasonable.

I've had tons of sites designed, and all have needed adjustments and revisions- to some degree.

You guys have been great about adjustments to the LVN site. There have been a couple misunderstandings, and some design directions that didn't work as well as I thought they would, so I had to change my mind after seeing the initial result.

But, for the most part, this site has been like all the rest...

1. I send notes
2. You send a preliminary design concept
3. I send revisions
4. You send designed HTML
5. I send final tweaks
6. You post finalized files

More than this much back-and-forth, and I'd expect to be billed additionally. In this regard, I think we've both been very reasonable.:winkwink:

(By the way, after tonight I won't be sending additional adjustments to the completed sections)

I'd love to say Bluewire Design sucks, and don't hire them (this way they'll always be free for my projects.) But the truth is, they've been fantastic, and we're really happy with their design.:thumbsup Just don't ask for too many adjustments.:1orglaugh

I don't have any rules on this, till now I've been designing till the client is 100% satisfied.

I'm thinking of charging extra soon though. Think I'm going to write some terms.

The number of comps (composite designs) and reviews should be stated in the initial contract, as well as the fee structure for any change orders (per hour is a good model).

The cost for making changes following each review should be built into the base estimate (job quote) - if the project goes very smooth and little or no change is required, then you can invoice a customer a lower amount (tell me what client does not love getting a lower bill than they anticipated).

Conversely, if the project gets bogged down in change orders, be up front and try to estimate how much time it will take for each revision as it comes up, and the potential bottom line. That way there are fewer surprises when it comes time to bill/collect your design fee.

Additionally, I've found that being flexible and willing to negotiate makes it easier to reach a solution which both parties can be satisfied with. The best business is recurring business...

ADG Webmaster

I'm going to bump this as I'd really like to get everyone's opinion.

There have been some jobs over the past couple months where we've just gotten killed on adjustments that werent quality related. I'm a man of my word so I dont really like sprining more charges on people when it hasnt been assessed in the begining....But for future planning I'd really like to hear your thoughts

thnx :thumbsup

i would make sure the customer is happy and just tell them that we can only do so many more adustments before it will cost