Make A Decision Already!
We've all come up against a client or two who hasn't been able, or willing, take make a decision and sign that blasted contract. We've done all our homework and created a brief and contract that covers everything they are needing for the project and we've even included all the concessions they wanted in order to make it "work for them". OK, how do we get them to confirm?
You finally landed a client that wants you to design a new logo for their company and incorporate it into their entire business system. You met with the client, asked all the right questions, and got the word that they're ready to commit. You prepare the contract and send it out to them. You even added a clause that states how long this offer will be held - so they'll be prompted to sign it and send it back with your deposit. You end up waiting - and waiting. What do you do? How do you communicate with them the importance of confirming this deal? What if the offer date passes? What if you forgot to include the valid offer date?
It is something that we've come up against time and time again. Please post what you'd do and let's have some dialog on this important aspect of our design business procedure.
This is a triple WWYD I see. So triple the answers.
1. You have set a "offer good until" date, and it is getting near, but they havn't said anything.
Leave them alone. Nothing more than maybe one phone call, and that is it. You have no idea what they are doing, thinking, or expecting. They might want you to call, or they are testing you, or they are thinking about it, etc etc etc. You just have to wait until the set time, and treat them like a professional that can make their own choices and decisions.
2. The time on the offer expired, and you havn't heard.
Give them a call, ask them what happened. Any number of things could of happened, and only if you ask will you have the chance to find out what did. Depending on the facts you might still get the contract, and likewise it might be over and done. Regardless you're not in control of their decision making process.
3. You forgot to set a "offer good until" date.
Could of been a mistake, could of been intentional. Same approach as the first one. Don'ttry and hustle them. If they commited to signing then expect that they are evaluating your contract, and going to decide. Be professional. Don't be the car salesman trying to get the deal closed any way shape or form.
As an overall answer. You should have already communicated the importance of the deal while making the deal. Don't try to hassle them into signing. They are the client, and they still have the right to say no. If you're going to starve if you don't get that contract then you've missed the old wise man's saying of "don't put all your eggs in one basket".
just tell them, "well, seems like you're no longer interested. it's ok, we have other client who is really excited with this whole concept. thanks and i hope we can work together, again, soon." hahahhahahaahah!!! naahh..i never do that. well, maybe we should just make another follow up or meeting (one last chance) to see if they really into the deal. and if u forgot to include the valid offer date, tell it to them before the last meeting ended, like "we really need to know if u're interested and want to confirm this deal. what about an answer by the end of this week? friday, perhaps?" i don't know how you would act, but, if they still haven't reply anything, though you have given them the valid offer date, it might mean "no, thank you." maybe some other clients would really love to have the concept. who knows?
The clue is in your opening sentence: "You finally landed a client." Most likely, you didn't land the client. Probably he's realized somewhere along the line that he can't afford you or doesn't want you, but can't bring himself to say so. (Embarrassed that it went this far, perhaps?) In some companies, it can take FOREVER for the decision makers to make up their minds, but a lot of times they have decided, against you, and no one wants to be the one to tell you. So they just don't do anything. You can call repeatedly until you force them to say no or you can take the hint and stop calling. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is to reiterate your excitement over the project, but be understanding about their need to think about it--and then check back with them after an appropriate interval, just to see how they're doing, no pressure. And try to read any subtle signals that mean they've gone another way or dropped the whole idea. It's more important to find the next client than to waste time over a an iffy one. And, in future, to try to limit the time you spend accommodating a client that ultimately won't sign with you.
The thing to do is to call your client after a week.
Don't be afraid to ask how you got along and if they were happy with it. If there is any hesitation or fudging of the issue press them because there is probably an issue they feel to shy to raise.
The main think is to communicate with them.
It works for me!