The Tribune

How many design revisions are enough? Are you stuck dealing with clients who demand hundreds of changes? A common problem, one which I hear all the time.

Clients sometimes do not even realise what they are doing when they ask for so many revisions. They see it as part of the design process, while designers perhaps see it as an annoyance. But there ought to be a breaking point.

Requiring too many design changes is clearly a problem in the design community. But how many revisions should a design client be allowed? Here are a few reactions and comments from colleagues who have had challenging experiences with clients’ revisions:

WANTS PAYMENT BACK:

I’ve just been paid a good chunk for 20 hours’ work on a logo, including 13 different revisions. I have also been getting out of bed at 3am to respond to requested amendments via e-mail, yet I’m still being asked to make revisions after the date of payment/deadline, when the logo was meant to have been sent to the printers.

Now the client wants her money back because she fears she will not be able to get the logo to the printers on time. I felt like crawling into a hole.

REFERRED CHRONIC CLIENT:

I have had an awful experience with a rush job, new client and no contract. I explained that my time was limited, and any revisions needed to be within a 24- hour timeframe.

Well, after one week of unlimited amendments the client came back and said that they would have someone else change it. I learnt my lesson and now decided to create contracts for each job.

RECHECK:

I usually make sure I always check and recheck because I would not want the error to be from my end.

LOGO DESIGN:

Personally, for logo design I allow three concepts and five revisions. Any other revisions thereafter cost more.

STRUCTURE IS KEY:

I have read a lot about this kind of thing, and notice that if you structure your design and development process properly, the flow would be smoother.

SPECIFY REVISIONS IN HOURS:

I also don’t specify revisions in “rounds”; I specify them in hours. I actually draw the line when the client asks repeatedly for things that are contrary to the original brief, or if they change their mind and ask for something new.

REFUND AND QUIT:

After having done literally over 50 revisions for a client, I just wanted out. It was so nerve wrecking and I wanted to refund the money and call it quits.

UNLIMITED REVISIONS:

Once a client asked me if I did unlimited revisions, I explained that there is no such thing as unlimited revision, but I’ll do three rounds of revisions as indicated in my contract.

The above experiences are common. But it is better to ascertain, as soon as possible, what the client wants, as it saves time and minimises unnecessary misunderstandings. Besides, it is wise to ask clients to provide all needed information upfront before the design begins.

Designers should generally be open to requests for revisions as long as these are justified. They should not want to call a project finished if they have refused to change or add something that would actually complete and improve a design.

Offering two revisions and charging an hourly rate for any extra modifications seems reasonable, as it makes clients really take the time to think thoroughly before including repeated changes.

Yet designers should have a reason for every design decision made based on their professional expertise. Also, if a client requests changes that may “damage” the overall design, then politely explain why they should not be done, as it weighs heavily on our competence.

It also helps to be specific when asking for their opinion. Instead of asking a general “what do you think?”, instead trying asking; “Does this colour combination convey your brand” or “are you comfortable with this layout or design?”

Finally, this is really discretional and based on the relationship with the client. If you need to put it in writing at the time of contract signing, do not hesitate. H aving an honest and firm dialogue with the client usually helps.

Clients often do not really know what they want until they have seen a finished product. So having to redesign from the ground up does happen, and undoubtedly there will be revisions. Changes are a part of the process, but should be managed.

Let’s face it. There are always going to be clients from hell, and some might just need to be given the boot. But giving the customer a great end product and protecting your integrity is paramount.

So, how do you avoid the repeated revision problem and maintain your manners? Well, my exclusive answer starts with a ‘Contract’…..This document should hopefully get all the ducks in a row.

The contract is a great tool to prevent revisions from dragging on and on, and potentially ruining a great relationship. It also permits the designer to move forward with new projects that should be considered completed.

Remember, you can never, ever go wrong starting with a signed agreement. Clients will no doubt behave accordingly, and designers may not have to go beyond the scope of the project if they do not wish to. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: The columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT THE COLUMNIST: Deidre Marie Bastian is a professionally-trained graphic designer/marketing coordinator with qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova South Eastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.