Thoughts on re-do policies, etc?

Rachel Feldman

Suffice it to say that I am learning my lessons the hard way regarding taking jobs for less than I asked and all of the other things many of you have so sagely counseled. And, yes, as a kid I did touch the stove when my mom told me not to. It was THERE, ok?

That said, I was wondering if some of you might share your thoughts on what and how much you tell a client about added fees and caveats.

In other words, a client wants you for a small job you auditioned for via V123, and you agree to do it. Do you then take several minutes to say all the caveats ("if you change the script after I deliver the file, I need to charge X") or do you send them a document to look over? Or have you put all of this in your V123 response?

Basically, how do you handle the "fine print?" And what is your fine print?

- Rachel

P.S. I never know whether to post questions like this here (because you're pros) or in Newbies (because I am closer to a newbie). Please forgive any transgression. Well, any voiceoversavvy.com transgressions, anyway. Laughing

Allen Brown · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008, 16:27 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Rachel,

Script changes after recording, especially narrations, are practically inevitable, so it's best to have a policy stated up-front on how to handle them.

Policies vary from person to person and I'm sure the Hollywood guys on here will tell you something different. For what it's worth, here's my policy on re-cuts, pick-ups, corrections, etc.:

Two minor (no more than a short paragraph) changes within 30 days of audio delivery are included in the quote.

Each change after the first two are charged a minimum session fee of $XX.XX (you'll have to set that price for yourself.)

Any changes after 30 days is quoted as a new project.

Any corrections that are my fault are always done for free.

I don't include this info in my V123 lead response. If I land the job, it's one of the first things I discuss with the client. An experienced client will want to know the policy. Inexperienced clients usually don't expect changes to happen. Experience will teach them that they almost ALWAYS happen.

Good luck.

Kara Edwards · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008, 16:37 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Rachel!

I don't put any of that into my proposal. The only thing in there is my name, contact info, and answers to any specific questions posed.

I find it is much easier to talk on the phone with a client about the details. This way they can hear in your voice that you aren't out to make changes that will hurt their project, you are only protecting yourself. And, everyone can understand that you need to protect yourself- even the client.

Be honest, explain your thought process, and be friendly. Then, follow up on the phone conversation by putting everything in writing that you discussed.

Bill Campbell · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008, 16:51 (GMT) Post subject:

I think a reasonable amount of re-reads or pick ups should be included in your fee, unless your so busy you can afford to pass on some jobs.

Part of being a great VO talent is customer service. It's your best chance for repeat business.

Rachel Feldman · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008, 18:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Believe me, I'm very reasonable about stuff like that. Probably too reasonable, which is why I'm wondering - for future work - at what point one should draw the line and how best to spell this stuff out.

Thanks all!

Lee Gordon · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008, 18:49 (GMT) Post subject:

Whenever I'm confronted with a possible do-over, I ask my client (usually a recording studio or video producer) if a re-do is billable to his client. Many clients -- especially the bigger ones -- expect to have to pay for revisions.
If my client would have to eat the additional cost, then I generally don't charge, simply as a matter of good will. And, of course, if the re-do is because I made a mistake or they didn't care for the way I read something, rather than due to an "author's alteration" in the copy, I also would not charge to re-read it to their satisfaction.

Claire Dodin · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 13:51 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi!
I always say that reasonable retakes are free (so when they ask for a retake we can discuss it. I would only charge for a major change in script. I wouldn't charge for a couple of sentences).
I have never had a client asking me to do many retakes without offering to pay for it.
Actually, I rarely get any retakes at all. It's not really been an issue for me.
If I find mistakes in the script or odd things, I either talk to them before recording or I record 2 versions for them to chose from, this way I avoid them coming back to me later.