Ethics and Charges

[LarryMBuck]

I was working with a prospective client. I did a bunch of research for them, gave them an analysis of their current site to be redesigned, and some other work. I gave them a price quote. The client then told me they were working with two other designers. It was the initial understanding that I would be doing the work.

They choose another designer. I received an email from the client thanking me for all my work. They said I could invoice them if I wanted to for time I spent researching, etc., the work I did on the site.

Should I charge them?

Thanks!

[Robert Wellock]

Did you have a written agreement that said you normally charge for advice?

[LarryMBuck]

Verbal, that I was the only one involved. I sent guidelines for the work to be done. I was not told about the other companies/designers till after I completd my analysis and other work.

So am I out of luck? Should I be polite and not take them up an offer for some sort of payment?

Thanks!

[Compguy Pete]

Did you give them the work that you did?

If yes then charge them...

[Paul Jr]

If you did work for them...
Charge.

[robsta117]

I received an email from the client thanking me for all my work. They said I could invoice them if I wanted to for time I spent researching, etc., the work I did on the site.

Bill them - why would they have suggested that you invoice them if they thought they were getting the work done for nothing?

Did you infer that you were going to do the preliminary work for free? Did you do the work on spec in the hope you could sell them on the project?

Here's a link to an article on the do's and dont's of freelancing. It's painfully humorous as you'll probably recognize the all too familiar scenarios in the illustrations:

http://www.60-seconds.com/articles/156.html

Good luck with your next bid. Sorry this one fell through.

Robsta
:)

[LarryMBuck]

Thanks for the link and the condolences. Good luck on your end.

LMB