- You met with the client either in person or on the phone.
Now, he or she has asked for an estimate on the project.
This is the point many designers hate, typically we like
to design and be creative, we're not bankers or
investment brokers, so we tend to ignore the money part.
But this is the world your client lives in, so it's
time to write the proposal and present it.
If you'd like more detail about writing a proposal,
check out many of the other courses here.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to
always go over the proposal with the client.
Since we can feel uncomfortable discussing money,
it's easier to write the proposal and e-mail it off,
then hope for the best.
This doesn't allow for conversation,
and often leads to misunderstandings.
In the best scenario, bring the proposal to an in-person
meeting and go over it line by line.
The chances are that any other designers submitting
a proposal are not taking the time to do this.
It's a competitive advantage.
It also creates a dynamic that allows for flexibility.
You may list a certain amount for the first phase of
the project: doing research and analysis.
But the client may recognize this will take more time
and effort than you expect.
If you're sitting together, you can change the figure
and massage the proposal.
Clients don't speak designer-ese.
They see research and think "What's to research,
all the info is right here".
Explain that research is looking at competition,
the audience, the company's goals,
and applying this to the communication.
This also give you the opportunity to
explain some of the details.
How many options will you present?
What happens if there are revisions?
How long will each phase take?
If this is included in the proposal, you can explain it
and alter it if needed.
Budget is an issue that might be raised.
A client may say "this is more than I have in my budget".
What you should never do in any circumstance is to say
"Okay, I can do it for less."
That is the same as saying "I was lying before".
Your fees are based on the amount of work for the project.
If you could do the work for less,
why was your original proposal higher?
Look at the proposal and determine what can
be eliminated or modified.
Perhaps they ask for a logo, stationary system and website.
If the budget won't cover this, you can suggest taking
some of the items off the proposal.
When they have resources to work on the other items,
you'll be happy to help.
Consider the experience of working with your car's mechanic.
You drop it off and she tells you she'll send you
the estimate to fix it.
You receive a list of items to be fixed that
might as well be in Greek.
You don't know what is important and what might
be put off until later.
You feel trapped and don't have
a good feeling about the process.
Now, consider how it would feel if she sat down with you
and explained what each item was and what could
be postponed or added.
Your skills and talents will
generate income for your client.
It's part of business to be paid for your services.
As long as you keep the lines of communications open
and are willing to discuss a proposal, you'll be fine.