Billing Question

[garybr]

Okay, here's my issue and I hope somebody can give me a little insight as what to do.

 

I recently got a project from a major restaurant chain. They asked me to produce an animation depicting their new store model and the customers experience going through the space. Well, complications came up on my end and the animation was reduced in order to meet their deadline for a conference. They still want the full animation when it gets completed to be used in their marketing material.

 

My question is, what do you think is appropriate to bill them for? Ultimately they will receive two complete animations and I feel like I should be compensated for the extra work. Yet, I feel guilty that I was not able to meet their deadline in the first place and hesitate to charge them for the extra hours.

 

Any advice???

[BVI]

Did they pay for the full animation? If so, then you should still provide it to them. If you reduced your fee (which should relate to the time spent on the project) then you need to charge them for the extra time.

[garybr]

They have paid for the animation specified in the contract. But, I was unable to provide them with it when they needed it so I had to create a simpler version of it. The question is, should I charge them for what will be extra hours to create the simpler version even though the simpler version was created due to my own failure?

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

Bottom line is that you have not fulfilled your end of the contract. You owe them completed work according to the signed contract, unless the work was not completed do to a delay caused by them.

[anejo]

I would not bother with billing your client for the simpler animation. Why put yourself in a position to explain why their expectations were not met because of your complications?

It's best to keep the client happy. Keep in mind, there are many firms out there that do the same type work you do.

[JimL]

Deep down I think you know the answer to this. You can't put a price on the valuable lesson that you have learned. Next time you may not (hopefully) promise a deadline you can't meet.

 

To make yourself feel better put your losses down to life/work experience and training and if you feel it's necessary explain to client that you would do both for the original price even though now it's costing you money.