How do you pay webdesigners ?

[mihai11]

Hi,

Are you paying all in advance ? If so, they may disappear with your money ?
You pay all only when the job is finished ? (the designed may not accept it)

Any input is appreciated.

Regards,
Razvan

[JimmyN]

Usally a deposit is done, and small payments once parts of the work is done.
If the designer wants it all up front you may get ripped off by them just saying good by and walking off with the money.

[mihai11]

Usally a deposit is done, and small payments once parts of the work is done.

How do you make the deposit ? Who will keep the money ?



Regards,
Razvan

[COBRAws]

I usually pay 25% (or 50% depending on how well i know the designer) upfront, then pay consecutive % on each release I get until its done.

the first rule is knowing your designer/coder, ask for references, ask for his biz url/address, etc.

[Rick Sample]

I normally ask for 50% on larger projects... but if I have a project that will only take a few hours I usually ask for at least 50% up front... but since it's so small and if they want go ahead and pay it all up front.... I'll give them a much better rate. Here's the one I started and finished this morning... he paid it all up front and gave me a great review after I was finished:

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=132374

[mihai11]

Originally Posted by COBRAws

I usually pay 25% (or 50% depending on how well i know the designer) upfront, then pay consecutive % on each release I get until its done.

the first rule is knowing your designer/coder, ask for references, ask for his biz url/address, etc.

Please tell me more. It is the first time I will hire a designer, so there are a lot of unknowns. For once, what is a release ? Its just some kind of milestone that you set with the designer upfront ?

Also, what is your favorite way of payment ? (bank transfer, cheque, PayPal, Western Union etc)

[RedTyger]

I try to avoid taking any deposit at all in most cases, just ask for the money upon completion to satisfaction. Customer first and all that, plus it builds up some trust from the offset.

Although I have on occasion ended up being the one defrauded out of it, which is an unfortunate twist on the usual scenario.

[GXT Owner]

I pay graphics designers or website designers with paypal, and when im making the payment I write exactly what im buying every detail possible so if they do try to screw you over all I have to do is file a dispute

[Princeton]

My only suggestion is to Do Your Research Before Hiring!

[MadRhino2323]

Hello!

I have been designing websites for over 10 years now, and I understand your concerns when it comes to paying for a job.

First of all, be sure to do your homework before you decide to hire anyone. Check his/her portfolio, ask for references and call his/her recent clients and ask them how they paid for the project and if the job was done in a professional and a timely manner.

Be sure to have a contract ready for him to sign. There are many FREE contact templates out there that should meet your needs. If not, look into hiring an attorney to write one up, depending how big your project is of course!

Be sure to get at least 3 quotes on your project!

The project size determines what I ask for up front.

- If it is less than $500.00 I would require all it up front.
- If it is more than $500 but less than $1000.00, I ask for 50%.
- Anything over $1000.00, I ask for 33% up front and the rest after I complete the job and before I post the site.

If you have the option, ALWAYS try to pay with a Credit Card, that is enough security by itself! If they try to take the money and run, you can always dispute the charge. The way CC merchants work is he will not get the money for at least a month anyways!

If he/she asks to be paid by PAY PAL, be sure to use the PAY with a CREDIT CARD option without opening an account and never fund your PP account just to pay them. If they take it and run, you will have a very hard time get your money back with PP.

If they only accept cash, do not hire them. Move on to the next!

Hope this helps a little!