The Business Process

With each transaction and customer interaction (including those involving immediate/extended family and personal friends), I do and will abide by this process laid out below. It's a careful cycle which helps keep all involved parties synchronized. In some cases, precision quality and timing are important. That's why I'm strict to apply the process.

The Inquiry

1. Parties that may express interest in doing business must be clear on matters regarding, but not limited to, the following:
   • My freelance availability
   • Meeting options
   • Disclosure
   • Other applicable legal issues
   before any project- or job-specific discussions occur.


2. Depending on "Disclosure" and other legal issues, the appropriate contract(s) is/are signed. Physical signatures are not necessarily required. Digital acceptance of terms may also be available.


3. The nature of the problem is discussed. Solutions are presented.


4. Discussion involving the specific solutions. Topics that must be covered are mainly preliminary:
   • Nature of the problem (and possible solutions)
   • Maintainance (if applicable)
   • Practicality
   • Scale
   • Post-completion options
   • Timeframe


5. Select a solution. If the solution meets eligibility requirements (is practical, scalable, and able to be completed), specifics will be covered. The "how" of the job is discussed here: what the client wants, how it will work when finished, etc.


6. I will then adjourn and calculate costs. A price quote will usally be delivered within 1 business day. A price quote:
   • is the lowest price I can provide based on what we discussed earlier.
   • a price for the 'base' of the solution. Changes or additions later may certainly affect the cost of the project.
   • may also go down if project features are removed before costs are applied.
   • is always updated as a courtesy after every set of changes the client decides to make to the solution.
   • is not a commitment from either party.
   • is negotiable generally only under certain circumstances I may not be aware of.

The Kickoff

7. All solutions require a down-payment for the validity of both parties. Payment methods and amount vary (all amounts in USD):
   • Web hosting - paid each period in advance.
   • Web development
     • $500 ≤ $999 = 50% up front
     • $1000 ≤ $4999 = 40% up front
     • ≥ $5000 = 25% up front
   • Photography (on-site)
     • $20 appearance fee
     • $50 fee if client doesn't show up
   
   The down-payment is made at this time. I accept cash, checks, PayPal, and Escrow.com.


8. Work commences on the project.