Dealing with a client seeking endless design revisions. How can you ensure the project stays on track?
When a client requests countless revisions, it's crucial to manage expectations and maintain project momentum. To navigate this challenge:
How do you handle revision requests while keeping projects on track?
Dealing with a client seeking endless design revisions. How can you ensure the project stays on track?
When a client requests countless revisions, it's crucial to manage expectations and maintain project momentum. To navigate this challenge:
How do you handle revision requests while keeping projects on track?
-
To avoid this kind of problems, i make sure to understand the client vision and his preferences to start on good and solid bases. On the other hand i make sure to make him understand that he have the right to three changes in the work process, if he wants more changes he needs to pay for the extra hours work especially when these changes are unnecessary. But if course i can make some exceptions in order to keep my clients satisfied with the final results. As a designer im here to build trust and to bring joy to my clients with their New brands identity. If my client isnt happy, then i didn't accomplish my work as it should be
-
Before accepting a role on a project, evaluate the process followed up to this point. What stakeholders have been involved? Is the scope of work complete? How detailed is the project plan so far? If key stakeholder groups have not been involved and the scope appears vague or lofty - now is the time to decline and run. These are the earmarks of a project destined for endless revisions and change orders. If you decide to participate anyway - make sure it's is on a time & materials basis. If it will be an arduous effort - ensure you are appropriately compensated.
-
From my experience over the years, it's important to have a sort of contract or a section in the proposal or quote at the start or negotiation level of the project. That section should state the number of revisions allowed and what extra revisions would cost. This will help the client make up their minds speedily especially if the cost for extra revision is effective in amount. An extra revision is a request for your time and resources and that should not be free except you decide to. If you are in the middle of a project that did not start with the above, you have to put your foot down. Simply agree to do the present revision, and give a chance for one more, then tell the client further revisions will attract charges.
-
When empathy and compassion are expressed toward a client / stakeholder I’ve found they tend to lighten up and trust you. What they’re expressing is fear that their message isn’t going to move and convey properly — soothing is needed.
-
To manage a client with endless design revisions: 1. Set Limits: Define the number of revisions upfront. 2. Establish a Timeline: Use milestones to keep the project on track. 3. Request Detailed Feedback: Encourage clear and specific input. 4. Prioritize Changes: Ask clients to rank their requests. 5. Use Visuals: Get examples to clarify their vision. 6. Communicate Regularly: Check in often to manage expectations. 7. Document Everything: Keep records of all feedback. 8. Educate Clients: Share design principles for better understanding. 9. Know When to Walk Away: Assess if the relationship is still beneficial. These tips can help keep the project on track.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Commercial DesignWhat are the common causes of missed deadlines in commercial design?
-
Graphic DesignHow would you address a client's unrealistic expectations for the project timeline and deliverables?
-
Process DesignWhat do you do if your process design deadlines are unrealistic and expectations are unmanageable?
-
Sustainable DesignHow can you manage your workload to avoid missing deadlines?