Hi guys,
It's not a normal request. Any advise? Or tips to look out for with regards to charging, payment terms or in general?
I'm looking to produce a coffee table book, slideshow, website, etc package. It's a whole complete package to document their travels. Price is not too big an issue, quality is.
If you'll allow me to pick your brains. Thanks.
Firstly get everything you are to do and not to do written down in a legally binding contract and have them sign it and date it. Do this before they arrive. Stipulate all issues including who owns the copyright, the use of bylines and any limitations on the use of the images etc. Don't forget unless you transfer the copyright to your name they as a client will OWN 100% Copyright of your images (even the rejects).
Some of the things you'll need to include in the contract are:
1) Working hours per day
2) Meal breaks
3) Transport and accomodation as required
4) Copyright issues (transfer, rights useage periods etc)
5) Fair useage issues (if you t/fer the copyright to yourself)
6) Court juristiction (make it a Singaporean Court)
7) Cancellation fees (exit early fee if they want to break the contract once in SG)
8) Any specific terms relating to the assingment, such as prints.
9) Sundry expenses such as entry charges to JBP or other locations, who pays what.
10) Royalty payments for image use (if copyright transferred)
11) Schedule of payments for the assignment.
12) Work out an hourly rate for the post assignment work and charge accordingly.
Payment: For an assignment this long and with it being an overseas client I'd be asking for 25~50% payment up front, or enough to cover your living expenses for the period PLUS transport expenses.
When I'm doing work for a new client who is based overseas I always charge my expenses up front just in case they do a runner and don't pay. Recovering money from someone (be it a corporation, company or individual) is damn near impossible and the costs involved usually outweigh the value of the bill.
Also on payment, for an 11 day period I'd be looking for partial payments every 3-4 days just to be on the safe side. Cash or bank deposit ONLY. Do not accept cheques, travellers cheques or foreign currency as these may be forgeries (you'd be surprised at how low some folks can go to avoid paying for things).
Good luck
