Web developers - Dealing with your customers

I'd like to discuss how to properly deal with customers, set expectations and hold all responsible.

Defining and Creating Networks Rolls

During the first meeting with the customer, after they decided to hire them, you must define the role of each in the project. You must create a spreadsheet with the results, and assign a person and the date each entry. For example, if it comes to copy for their website you'll want to assign that to the customer, and a date for delivery. Emphasize the need to stay on schedule, and that the customer makes a top priority. Educate the customer for the design, methodology, objectives and deadlines. Ensure that all may be one the same page before you start. Ensure that all deliverables that are required to start the project are met before you even think of starting the project. Do not just give them a date of completion - Create milestones and expectations. Would not it be better if the customer has decided to launch the project for the first stage, rather than the date of completion?

Document

Document everything. Track your phone calls and emails that summarize the call. Store all your emails and documents relating to the project. Without going into too much detail, remember to stay organized. Create a large file / folder / directory structure for all your projects, documents both hard and soft.

How to pay

If you have not already, you must make a payment structure and stick with it. For example, a common payment structure in the development of web is 50% due to start the project, 50% due on completion. There are various other methods, such as charging everyone before it is less than $ 2,000 for example, or creating a customized schedule of payments for projects over $ 10,000 - depending on the client and or project. Make sure this does not give up, even for the smallest of projects. You might also consider giving a discount for payments received on time or ahead of, and penalties for late payments received.

Summary


Create goals and targets
Assign provide all maturities
Educate your customer
Documenting any contact between you and the customer, following a phone call with an e-mail
Create a file structure consistent
Creating a coherent program of payment
Discounts for advance payments, penalty payments
......