The Lost File – The Ultimate Web Design Questionnaire And Checklist (part 3 of 8)

• By The Smashing Editorial
• October 12th, 2011
• The Lost Files
• 0 Comments

← Getting the Proposal Right (3/8)TOCWireframing and Mood Boarding (4/8) →

Stage 3: Create the Proposal

You’ve asked them a lot of questions, and now it’s time to confirm exactly what you’ll be doing for them. Break your proposal down into specific deliverables, with descriptions of technical limitations and dependencies. Include time frames for each section, and let the client know what is required of them so that every section is on time. Let them know that missed deadlines will push back all other deadlines.

Get their signature on the proposal, and get your down payment. Do not send any mock-ups until you receive the down payment, and let them know you are waiting on it. Some designers work behind the scenes and then tell the client that they have something to show them and will do so as soon as they get the down payment. Nothing moves clients faster than the prospect of seeing mock-ups.

Proposal Checklist

Have you included your policy on revisions? How many revisions do you permit or require?

• How much do you charge hourly for extra features?
• Will you be allowed to use the finished design in your portfolio?
• Is it clear who will own the files at the end of the project?
• Have you received a down payment?
• Have you outlined what services you will provide line by line, with a deadline and price?
• Does the client understand the interdependencies of features (for example, that feature #3 cannot be started until feature #2 is complete). Is this included in the schedule?

• Have you set deadlines for both you and them for all tasks?
• Have you made it clear that deadlines go both ways and that if they’re late on one deadline, you will send them an updated time line.
• Have you budgeted in extra time in case problems arise?
• Have you budgeted for cross-browser and user testing?
• Have you received a signed copy of the contact?

← Getting the Proposal Right (3/8)TOCWireframing and Mood Boarding (4/8) →