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How do I say it politely (re: watermark)?
Quick back story: I bid for a decent contract (shoot and edit) in December 2010. Here we are now planning the shoot for April 2011. Long process, lots of calls, lots of hand-holding and explaining…
Now I’m worried about getting paid, and I’ve searched the forum for watermark.
I don’t want to deliver a watermarked video without telling the client in advance that’s the case because they are spending (in their mind) quite a bit of money and will be jonsing for the footage to send it through the various approval departments.
So what/how do you say it without souring the relationship. Bottom line: it could sound like I am saying “I don’t trust you.” Which isn’t exactly true: I don’t trust the paperwork/bureaucracy process…
thanks
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15 Replies
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Deliver a time-code burn copy.
You get your clean master when we receive final payment.
Sorry, just our policy.Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC -
“Dear client:
Enclosed is a copy of the program in what we believe is the finished form. To help you make any notes about corrections or changes or errors, we’ve superimposed a time code number on the video.
When referring to any point of the program, just pause and write down the time code number at the point in question and tell us that number. It will allow us to go right to the precise spot in question and deal with any issues that come up.
If you’re happy with the video as-is, and have no changes, that’s great! In that case, your next copies of the program will be “clean” masters without the time code on them, delivered when final payment has been made, as previously agreed.
Thanks for allowing us to work with you, and we hope you’re pleased with our work and will use our services again in future”.
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Good language.
At the same time… I have never gotten full payment before delivery of the finished show.
Bob C
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I deliver a time code burn till paid in full. Gives the clients something to see and it’s easy for them to make comments if there is a problem with the edit. Now I’m posting password protected copies to my Vimeo account, very easy for me to update and not have to worry about “copies” floating all over the place.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
[Bob Cole] “I have never gotten full payment before delivery of the finished show.”
I’m with Bob on this one, mostly because we don’t work with strangers or “walk-ins” so we have a very different kind of relationship. It’s also been my experience — just not recently, thankfully — that one of the quickest ways to make someone untrustworthy is to treat them like they are.
I also think Mark’s language and approach is much more likely to elicit long term business.
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For us, Existing clients get a bill when the job is done and they are happy. They pay in due time. That is fine.
First-time clients; we get 50% down up front and the rest when work is complete and Before delivery.
Outta town-NEW clients – Full payment up front.
This became a hard and fast rule after being ripped off a couple times.
Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC -
One way to facilitate immediate payment is to accept credit cards. Any insights about that, or alternatives such as PayPal?
The other aspect to Richard’s original post is that he had a sixth sense of potential trouble. I’d rely on that more than anything, including C.O.D. After all, checks can bounce or be stopped.
Bob C
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Excellent input across the board on this topic…I’ve had to become a bit more restrictive on releasing material to clients myself.
I’ve been looking at re-tooling my client proofing to work with an online video hosting service with the video viewable online, but protected.
The client can also leave notes, and I can actually see what parts of the video have actually been viewed.
Alternately, I can stage video for my website there. Since my website has been basically ignored for years, I’m looking at using that account for several purposes.
vidforweb.com is the website.
TimK,
Director, Consultant
Kolb Productions, -
We have been excepting Credit Cards for years. Some clients choose to pay this way. Makes it easy for a down payment.
Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC -
Wait a minute…
Excepting or Accepting?
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