When you’re a freelancer and generate project contracts, it’s important to put in the scope and parameters of a project to limit “scope creep” – where the client expands the project, but doesn’t pay you for additional work, time, and expertise.
In early meetings:
— Discuss the scope;
–Make sure you have ONE person with whom you’re dealing on the project (not working by committee);
— Make sure it’s clear how many revisions are included in the initial quote, and how much overruns will cost;
–Set a schedule, including when the client has to have material back to you with comments for revisions or the next stage of the project;
— Put in a clause about late fees;
–Put in a clause about change of direction or additional work being billed at X dollars per hour;
–Ask for a deposit up front, and the balance paid within a specified time after you turn in the project. If it’s a long project, have regular payments over the term of the project.
There’s negotiation, that’s part of it. The first draft of any contract is the STARTING point of negotiation. If you originate the contract, expect negotiation. That’s good business. Know how far back you’re willing to negotiate BEFORE you send over the contract. When you are offered a contract, read it over, and negotiate. If the other side demands you sign a boilerplate, and says, “We don’t negotiate contracts” – walk away. They are not an ethical company.
Once you’ve negotiated the contract, WHEN the client starts the scope creep, the additional fees are already in writing and signed.
However, more and more companies are putting up listings for short-term projects, and it’s necessary the analyze them the way one analyzes a real estate listing. All those jokes about how landlords get away with sub-par rentals by using pretty words? True for per-project or short-term calls.
For instance, let’s take a look at listings for “content strategist” or “marketing strategist.” The dictionary defines “strategist” as “a person skilled in planning action or policy, especially in war or politics.”
PLANNING.
If the employer/recruiter used words to their true meaning, the “strategist” would come up with the plan, which would then be implemented by the staff.
But that’s not what the job entails.
Most of these “strategist” listings say the most important element is strong writing skills. But then, BUT THEN, they also want the strategist to have design skills, such as Photoshop or InDesign.
Say what?
That’s right. They’re calling it a “strategist.” In actuality, instead of hiring a team comprised of a terrific copywriter and a terrific graphic designer, they want to save money and only hire one person.
Scroll down further. Look at the rate – when they even bother to list it. I think it should be a law that no description can be listed without the payment – none of this “based on experience” or not listed. State what you’re offering.
Find the rate yet? Rub your eyes, and look again. It’s not a dream. It really is that low.
The company wants ONE person to do TWO skilled jobs, but is paying less than EITHER job should be paid, and calling it a “strategist.”
Someone who is good at planning and policy would laugh in their face and walk away.
Words matter. Read ALL the words in your contract or your job description, understand them, and negotiate.
It will save you a lot of pain down the road.