Design

[Felder]

Well I designed a Business Card for an employer/someone (Better not name) and we came to an agreement to print 1000 copies for $100, the printer that I found for the employee had that price. I'm not sure if its too much or too little but it was my first time doing real business, do not judge me on it, please. The next week the employer was accusing me of copy right and other stuff that he doesn't want to work with me...

I'm not sure if the employee researched and found out that $100 for 1000 copies too much, which I do not have any clue. Or that he saw the watermark that I send it to him via email, the employee thinking that it's not my design (because of watermarks) and that I copied from internet. Which is false of course, because if I'm not mistaken I have the right to watermark my design. And, OR, that he thinks $50 is too much for the design that I did for him, couple of them.

Well I'm looking for some tips for next time if I get a job and what to do to make the job go... smooth? Like, how much should I ask for designing a business card? poster? mini poster? and the price for printing.

Thanks to whom have read and going to reply!

 

[ibclare]

I think your prices were more than fair. The cost of printing depends on the printer and what you and your client agree to do.

If you didn't research it, I would do so. There are good online printers. I use Americasprinter.com but I doubt if they do anything outside the US. Their work is good and prices excellent, and that's printing full-color, 2 sides of card, glossy or not. And a jpeg is fine.

$50 for a logo and business card is below market for pros, but is what we list as minimum price in our freelance job posting guidelines.

I would just recommend that you tell your client to expect your designs to be watermarked until payment is received, or at least let them know initial designs will be watermarked. I'd seriously advise getting paid for the design work, then move on to the printing. I imagine some will advise you to get paid for that upfront too.

In any case, this has taught you what kind of misunderstandings can come up. So, be sure you are clear on your terms and try your best to understand the client's expectations. Always good to parrot back what you have been told if it isn't drawn out for you. Even then . . . lol!

Hope this helps.

 

[Felder]

Thanks ibclare, I did learn my lesson. Things you have mention is beyond my gratitude. I will certainly keep them in mind!