At Dead Idol, we do our best to make the design process a enjoyable, painless process for both the client and the designer. Because of this, we keep a strict set of steps in which we like to do business with our clients.
Our Steps
01) Contact from Client
A client may contact us with any design idea, web, print, or otherwise (we are very open-minded!) This can be done directly via any of the information on our contact page .
02) Questionnaire
After the client contacts us with their initial idea, we ask them to fill out a short questionnaire in order to help us serve them better. In addition, we link them to our terms of service and ask that they please read through completely and agree with our policies before continuing business with us. We usually email all this information to the client, but if they prefer, we can meet with them in person at no additional charge. However, for distances over twenty miles, a minor transportation fee may be added to the final charge.
03) Discussion fee, Initial payment
We discuss with the client how they would like to pay for our services, and after a service plan or price option is chosen to the client’s liking, the initial labor fee must be paid. Once this initial labor fee is cleared, we begin work on your design.
Note: As mentioned in the terms of service, the client must cover any payment transfer fees incurred as a result of their chosen method of payment.
04) Presentation of concepts
The concept design process generally takes about ten days to complete, but may take longer or shorter depending on our designers’ workloads at the time. Clients are welcome to email us for status updates during this time, but we ask that they be patient while we work to complete their product to the best of our ability. Remember, a rush job reflects poorly on both the designer and the client.
05) Selection of preferred concept, Discussion of changes
Once the design concepts are finished, we will present them to the client. At this point, the client must choose one of the concepts for us to continue working with. The client may ask for up to two changes for free with further changes at an additional cost. These changes may only be reflected toward the chosen concept and must be specific changes (no complete overhauls).
Note: As mentioned in the terms of service, if the client cannot find a design among the concepts that they like, they may choose to break their contract with our design firm. We will refund them any payment transfer fees they may have had to pay, but the labor fee is non-refundable.
06) Presentation of final product
Again, depending on the number and complexity of the changes requested, this process may take some time. However, the process is generally much shorter (most designs can go from concept to finished product within a week, depending on the designers’ workload). As soon as we are finished, we present the final product to the client.
07) Final payment
Before they can receive a usable form of the finished product, the client must pay the remainder of their fees. An invoice will be presented that lists all of the remaining charges.
Note: Again, the client may choose to pay however they wish, but 1) any payment transfer fees must be handled by the client and 2) the final product will not be delivered until the final payment is cleared.
08) Delivery of final product
After the final payment is cleared, we will send a usable version of the final product to the client. This is generally sent on a CD-R via First Class Mail, but it may be sent via email or a file hosting website such as Sendspace or Rapidshare. In addition, any on-site installation will be conducted at this point.
Note: As mentioned in the terms of service, we traditionally send web designs in GIF format and print designs in JPG format. We are more than happy to send any other format you prefer, but please inform us of what format you’d prefer BEFORE we send you the final product. Resending the product at the fault of the client occurs at the cost of the client.
If you have any questions about any of our policies or would like to do business with us today, please feel free to contact us!