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What Great Clients Know...
I did a lot of freelance consoling during May, mainly because some folk are doing my peeps dirty, but I'm going to try and fix that. Here’s 3 things great clients know:
Freelancers do work for you, not work for you - they set their hours, rates, terms and methods. Employees do the job for you for the price you set, on your terms, how you want it done and when you want it done. Employees also come with salary and benefits expenses and it is illegal to pay them less than minimum wage. See the difference?
Message: Respect the freelancer’s mode of operation.
Real life: You gotta pay the cost to be the boss
Be aware of the verbal contracts you create. Stating that you will engage a freelancer’s services and pay deposit on a certain day/date is a verbal contract and can be held up in a court of law. Most freelancers don’t pursue it, but it is a viable option. And sure, circumstances change, things come up, but without communication, you could be cited for breach of contract. Not to mention it can screw up a schedule and/or a budget. The freelancer with a lawyer on retainer that decides to sue for breach of contract could receive the amount of your project PLUS lost income if they could have someone in your spot.
Message: If your situation changes let the freelancer know.
Real life: it’s like the cancellation fee your doctor’s office charges if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance.
You get what you pay for. Let’s leave quality out of it for a minute and talk solely in terms of deliverables. I say this often, but when you change the scope of your project, you increase the cost and/or length of time.
Message: If your budget doesn’t allow for the high end package, either save up, make adjustments to your wants list OR invest the time into learning how to do it yourself.
Real life: dollar menu items aren’t on the value meal list
Quickies:
Failure to read and/or comprehend your service contract does not absolve you from your obligation to pay.
Your fee is for the product or service. Whether or not you use it is on you.
Treat your freelancer how you want to be treated in your own biz/on your job.
Your org may be non-profit, but most times the freelancer is not.
Freelancers work freely. For a fee. © 2009-2013 Auntee Rik
Hopefully this list gives you some insight or some confidence that you’re a great client. Happy June!
Until next time,
Disclaimer: These points only take into account those freelancers that handle their biz. If you’re dealing with anyone that does not, switch providers.
