How to Handle Graphic Design Payment Disputes
As a graphic designer, you may put every ounce of your creativity into your projects, particularly when you are freelance and constantly working to get new business. This makes the sting just that much more poignant when you don't receive payment in a timely manner -- or at all. When you have payment disputes as a graphic designer, there are a few things to keep in mind that might help expedite payment without damaging your professional reputation.
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Instructions
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Refer back to your original contract with the client. This gives you a point of reference from which to work to determine the original price, agreed-upon payment structure and clauses in the agreement that addressed the issue of late payment or nonpayment, if any.
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Talk with the client about the matter. If possible, schedule a face-to-face meeting; if not, then a conference call may have to do. Explain your side of the dispute and allow the client to explain his. Go into the creative process and what you had to do along the way in terms of finding art, designing the ad, website or collateral and any copywriting you had to do, as well, so the client understands the scope of the work. In some instances, disputes over pay are simply centered on miscommunication between the two camps. Try talking it out with the client, so you can be paid, and the two of you can move forward in your professional relationship.
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Explain your plans to the client. This is not meant to threaten in any way but rather to tell the client what to expect should the problem persist. Start by sending several payment due notices, so there is a paper trail of your requests for payment; include an accounting of the graphic design work you've done to date. Send a late notice and give the client a set amount of days -- generally 120 or so -- before sending it to the credit bureau. You may find that your client is more willing to pay the bill if he knows it may affect his ability to get new credit.
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Retain your creative products until the dispute is resolved. Perhaps you've given the client a sample of the finished design, but if you still hold the pieces (such as the original design file), then you hold the cards in the dispute. Don't agree to turn over any of your creative products until you are paid what you are owed and the terms of the contract honored.
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Tips & Warnings
Secure at least a partial payment up front to avoid even having to confront this issue. If you can secure some of your money, then payment disputes at the end of the creative process might not seem so bad.
Should you decide to air your grievances with your client in a social media forum, an option suggested by Smashing Magazine, keep in mind that this comes with its own consequences. Potential new clients may be turned off your lack of confidentiality in your business dealings. You might get your money, but you might lose potential income because you are perceived as unprofessional.
