A series of informal surveys conducted at the end of articles on GraphicDesign.com suggest that freelance graphic designers might benefit by adopting better business practices. For example, recent surveys asked freelancers about their invoicing and contract policies invoices and whether they charged more for working beyond standard business hours.
- Unpaid Invoices: 96% of respondents said they had been victims of unpaid invoices for completed freelance work. Only 4% of readers had been paid in full each time.
- Contracts: When questioned about whether they use a contract before starting work for new clients, only 60% of respondents said yes, while 40% indicated that they did not use contracts.
- After-Hours Work: When they are asked to work outside of normal business hours, 63% of respondents said they do not charge more; they stick to their regular rates. About one-quarter of the respondents said it depends on the situation. Only 11% said they do charge more for after-hours work if the situation could have been avoided with better planning.
GraphicDesign.com suggests a correlation between the number of graphic designers who don’t use contracts and the higher number of freelancers who aren’t paid. Having an agreement that clearly defines the payment terms can lower a freelancer’s chances of being stiffed. Asking for a partial prepayment might also help freelancers detect companies that might not be quick to settle their invoices.
The willingness to work past normal business hours probably reflects a desire to maintain relationships with clients and secure additional work. But experienced freelancers also know that their availability to work flexible hours can be one of their selling points—particularly in a world in which freelance work can easily be outsourced to freelancers in time zones throughout the globe.
GraphicDesign.com is a source of news and information devoted entirely to the graphic-design industry. Each week the site features an article with several multiple-choice questions and encourages readers to respond to each one.
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