CompuServe Messages

Michael, >> standard contract deal with limited rights No it doesn't. I'm sure Greg Pyros and others more involved in broadcast would have better insights. >> price for storyboarding We have a range that we charge based on the size of the job (total amount of services we will provide). I don't differentiate between model building, storyboard consulting, animation consulting, etc … it's all at the same. >> billing approach The main point that I was trying to make was a suttle one (but you don't want to make it suttle with your client). If a client wants a fixed price, you MUST make them aware that they are giving something up for that. That they will have to make descissions and stick with them and that YOU will not eat the increases in time that their changes create. In all my professional services, I usually say something like following. "Look, if you require me to make a fixed price bid, the risk is on me and I am going to increase the price a small % as a cushion. You wouldn't put you or your business in the position that "at best" you are making your minimum. 9 times out of 10, you will pay more with a fixed price than if you simply let me charge you our hourly rate. Therefore, on an hourly rate, we could be much more flexible and interactive with you during the project…." Its real important to make it clear that they may pay more and are giving up flexibility for the security of a fixed price. Many customers will come back with an hourly rate and then a total "cap". This is a trap!! The customer get the best of both worlds. No matter how "padded" the cap is, the customer will run it up to the limit .. and then demand final changes which you will have to eat. Make it an either/or proposition .. either fixed price or hourly .. make sure they know the pro's and con's of each method and then let them choose which one is right for them. <got a little long winded on that one .. <g>> Ang