Stop Letting Clients Take Advantage of You in Web Design

If you're a web designer, you know how the chase works for getting clients, especially paying ones. You should never separate from your professional attitude that you started with. However, at some point, we all end up facing the challenge of a client who thinks we have nothing better to do but work on their project alone, for so many hours, beyond what was outlined in the contract.

When you are a freelance web designer, you are able to choose and have freedom in what projects you take on. Furthermore, you have more leverage to not be taken advantage of, when compared to jobs in the retail industry or a web design firm. You should want to remain positive and always take the higher road when having to deal with clients, but for your safety, you have to know when to put your foot down.


Take a look at this example:

Your client's project is complete and they seem quite satisfied. A few weeks later, they contact you and ask you to work on the site more. However, you're concerned because the task at hand will take more than an hour or two to complete. You then begin to explain this to that client and that the contract didn't outline such tasks. The client refuses to agree and still demands that you make the necessary changes.
Now, do you think you need to make those changes?

Absolutely not! At this point in time, you are no longer in a contract with that client so no changes can be requested of you. All you can do is kindly send over a copy of your contract to that client and highlight the areas that say you aren't responsible at this point or if you are that it requires a new contract or additional payment. In regards to legal issues, this is the safest way.

A lot of freelancers know or have learned that a contract can be the greatest backup if ever put into a situation like this. The client may not be satisfied knowing that they will have to make another payment for additional changes, but as a freelancer, you're not going to be able to eat if you don't save yourself from these situations.

Each and every contract you create between your business and your client should include the following:

1. - The type of work to be done on the client's website
2. - The amount of time it takes to complete said tasks
3. - The fee for the tasks stated AND if additional work is needed, explain how that will need to be handled
4. - A full and detailed description of any rights the client will have, if any, in regards to the project

You must be able to convey to your client that your time is worth money and that your time is very important. If you can relay this information at the beginning, it'll be smoother sailing in the long run. Also, it is imperative to keep you clients informed at all times. Clients love communication.

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