Adventures in Keyframes and Code

Hi Dave,

Excellent idea. I like your diagram. Here are my guidelines.

1. A client will always want to make at least 3-4 changes to everything you show them, bearing that in mind add a further 35%-50% to the estimated time, it will always take longer than you think.
2. Ask lots of question to define clearly and concisely the objectives of the clients needs, which is not necessarily their wants.
3. Have the brief, objectives and terms clearly outlined in a written document and what will be delivered at different stages of the project.
4. Gauge how easy going or difficult a client/job will be, usually the bigger the company the more people are involved in the decision making process.
5. Get consolidated feedback from one person so you don’t get comments in dribs and drabs. Limit rounds of revisions.
6. Breakdown stages of the project and invoice after each stage. Do not continue with the next stage until payment has been received. Or else the client has no incentive to pay you!
7. Clearly state what changes are included in the quote. How many rounds of revisions are included. Are they minor or major ones you may have to charge extra for major changes which are outside of the original scope of the project.
   Renegotiate at this point for more cash to cover the extra work.
8. Sometimes the client doesn’t really understand the process and what the technical limitations are, so it’s important to make sure that they understand what they are asking for especially when it comes to making lots of changes.
9. Above all... have fun, keep your cool and professionalism at all times. Make the most out of a difficult situation.

Take care,

Kay