How To Write A Graphic Design Proposal or Website Design Proposal
Posted on February 18th, 2009 by Gary
I’m not a lawyer, so these are just some items to consider when you write up your next graphic design or website design proposal.
- Number of versions and revisions. You will want to define what a version is and what a revision is. Also, how many versions or revisions are included at the proposed price.
- State the customers name and project. Be specific
- Put an expiration date on the bottom of the proposal
- Terms and Conditions. I request a design depost of 1/3, paid before I start a project. If it is a website, I request another 1/3 after the design is approved, before I start the code.
- Proofing Clause. I like to add a clause that stipulates if a proof is not returned in 7 days, I can request another 1/3 of the balance before continuing. I add if another 7 days passes without a proof being returned, I can request the balance before continuing. This way if a client gets sidetracked during the coding/design phase, I can get paid for the work I’ve done up to that point.
- Take it to a lawyer. I suggest once you get the terms and conditions written out, take them to a lawyer who can make sure it legally covers your needs.
Regarding the 1/3 upfront, 1/3 after the design, the balance paid on job completion. These are guidelines to go by. If you have an establish relasionship with a client you can be much more flexible. These terms are good if it is a new (out of state) client that you have never worked with.
Gary,
Great tips. Even in copy and SEO work, I sometimes work way more than I need to because I didn’t set the expectations correctly with the client. I also like what you wrote about payment. I have had projects drag on through various client circumstances and eventually been paid but only after several months. Thanks.
Before writing website design proposal i think we mush know the client basic requirements. so that customer should satisfied with proposal and we can get the projects. that proposal tips you mention its good. In my site siliconwebsolutions.in I also mentioned about more tips for write good proposal.
Yes. Josh you make a very good point. Knowing the client’s basic requirements is the foundation of a proposal. I went to your site, but did not see the tips for writing a good proposal -Could you provide a link to the article. Thanks for your comment.
It was interesting to browse trough
keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.