Trying offline marketing, have a question!

Z

zerofoxtrot

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So as of now I'm trying to contact local business owners via email and ask if they are interested in a new Web 2.0 website. My plan was to first ask for a payment so I can purchase a ThemeForest theme and purchase a domain name and web hosting if neccesary, but what if the client wants to have his money refunded? If I already the money spent on a ThemeForest theme, domain name, and web hosting - then how am I supposed to pay him back? I currently don't have much money to cover allowances. Is it possible to setup a no refund policy in a contract? Thanks for the answers in the advance!
 
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Prepare template screenshots from themeforest or what so ever. Include a no-refund policy for domain names. prepare proper paperwork that for such work there's no refund but "x revisions" or "corrections/changes".

The whole price upfront wouldn't really work anyway if you have no name and no proper portfolio I guess. Charge a small upfront fee (10%-50%), work out a first template / draft / mockup. Ask for feedback, apply feedback and charge the rest.

In any case I would prepare a proper portfolio or at least some references, even if they're made up. Every time I open a project on Freelancer or oDesk I get 50 applications from people telling me "I can do it Sir" but almost half isn't able to provide previous work samples.
 
dkanalie said:
Prepare template screenshots from themeforest or what so ever. Include a no-refund policy for domain names. prepare proper paperwork that for such work there's no refund but "x revisions" or "corrections/changes".

The whole price upfront wouldn't really work anyway if you have no name and no proper portfolio I guess. Charge a small upfront fee (10%-50%), work out a first template / draft / mockup. Ask for feedback, apply feedback and charge the rest.

In any case I would prepare a proper portfolio or at least some references, even if they're made up. Every time I open a project on Freelancer or oDesk I get 50 applications from people telling me "I can do it Sir" but almost half isn't able to provide previous work samples.
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Thanks, I've been providing screenshots from Themeforest templates within the emails hoping it will increase lead conversions. I won't be creating a portfolio or something like that because I'm only trying to do this once. I'll take the upfront fee into consideration, it would be the best if he would pay up everything I need to purchase in front, and the additional money after he's satisfied, right? Also, would it be good if I were to enforce the no-refund policy for the theme, domain & hosting?
 
Refunds are not as common in offline biz as they are in online, client signs a contract and he's committed to pay you for whatever he signed up for.
 
Orbit143 said:
Refunds are not as common in offline biz as they are in online, client signs a contract and he's committed to pay you for whatever he signed up for.
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very true. But I would also always be prepared for a client who does not pay because in the end he/she is no longer able to pay or simply refuses the work. Another point is the general location - in Europe or the US a contract/agreement is binding. In many other countries, well, binding yes but plenty of people do not care, especially when it comes to a small freelancer or small company.
 
Orbit143 said:
Refunds are not as common in offline biz as they are in online, client signs a contract and he's committed to pay you for whatever he signed up for.
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I see, is there some sort of contract template I am able to use? Just a heads up that I'm only 16 so I don't have a lawyer or anything to support me when things take the wrong turn. :)
 
ron.ray said:
check out http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackhat-seo/offline-marketing/544231-method-make-5-times-more-sales-offline-clients-easy-noob-friendly.html, i think it might be a help
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Interesting method, I might give it a try in the future.
 
The content of your contract very much depends on the jurisdiction you are under, there is no general template.
 
Just my two cents... If you cannot afford to lose any money, then don't go into business just yet... Save up $100 and you will be good to go
 
gushtaff said:
Just my two cents... If you cannot afford to lose any money, then don't go into business just yet... Save up $100 and you will be good to go
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I totally disagree. Just get enough upfront from the client to cover your expenses (and put in the contract its non refundable, no need to tell them unless they ask imho but its up to you. If they ask, explain there are costs involved in setting up a site which need to be covered before you can start work). Then get the rest when the website is complete.

If they want a refund, the onus will be on them to try and reclaim it. Which they cant - because of the contract and you already have the money from them. No one will go to court for the $50 a theme and a domain costs. And even if they do, you have the contract.

This being said - just make sure you do a good job and none of this should be a problem. The offline world is very different to online. We IM'ers see it as just a wordpress site - to them its a valuable asset.
 
dkanalie said:
very true. But I would also always be prepared for a client who does not pay because in the end he/she is no longer able to pay or simply refuses the work. Another point is the general location - in Europe or the US a contract/agreement is binding. In many other countries, well, binding yes but plenty of people do not care, especially when it comes to a small freelancer or small company.
Click to expand...

3 little words with a contract...

small claims court
 
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