20 Common Client Questions Before You Start Their Project

As a designer, you need to be prepared with a few standard questions that will likely arise in the mind of the client. Not to be confused, it is something reasonable. You just need to know and accept these questions as a way to respect the client's decision when choosing to trust you as a designer, think of it as a first impression of a client to you to produce a 'value' that you will have for a reputation. Here are 20 basic questions that need to be addressed appropriately by a designer.

Prepare to Answer These Client Questions in Design Project: 20 Common Client Questions

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1. Would you tell us a little about yourself?

For the first time you have to explain a little bit about yourself, as the client does not know who you are, even if you come from a well-known advertising agency. This kind of question is something that is practical yet special, usually you will get this kind of question in the early minutes when meeting with clients. Even sometimes appear irrelevant questions, like "Why do you use a piercing on your nose?" Or "That is a beautiful tattoo, where did you get it?" Do not think of it as a silly and unimportant question, just answer honestly, and do not need to act like pretentious designers, because at that point people are considering you.

2. How many years have you been in graphic design business?

At this point the work experience would be an important thing. Until now, clients still believe in a proposition which says that "The more experienced you are-the more you produce good design". So the solution is to show the cover letter (CV) that you have, maybe they will be more interested in you as a reputable agency name being listed on your CV.

3. Do you have an office or Home-Based Working?

In some countries, being an office worker is much more prestigious than a freelancer. The graphic designer would be proud to show corporate card rather than a personal card. But believe me, for freelance designers who do not have a permanent office, you are able to show your skills without having to show off your work. It's easy, put the card in your name that you have a home-based workplace.

4. How many people work in your office/workplace?

It's a bit strange when I heard a jargon like "the more employees at a company, the more great products". Clients would have questioned it. Answer calmly about how much your team; tell them about who the people in your team (if the amount is possible) give honest and rational reasons on why you should choose a certain amount of members in your team.

5. What's Your Specialty?

Recognize the benefits of self will surely result in two things: you will be trusted completely, or even be questioned. Currently, the performance of your presentation is what will determine if you are worthy of trust. Present your capacity as normal as possible without exaggerating. Give an explanation of why you are special to a particular field and how long have you been pursuing it?

6. Have you previously had a similar working or project experience?

Be honest with your clients, such questions can be a blunder. Or just tell them about it if you really had previously received similar jobs.

7. How Much Should I Spend On This Project / Your Design?

Never give a number of figures in the form of assumptions. Write clearly in the form of draft or proposal, detail, and still in a rational number. Bargaining is bound to happen but head in it as a natural thing, especially if your client bargain prices unreasonably.

8. Can you give me a discount?

Be careful with the type of clients who have this kind of question, because you will be viewed carefully. Answer that question wisely, if discount is not a taboo for you, then give it. If not, you can say an apology or mention that the project is quite negotiable.

9. How do you receive payment for work?

Explain the procedure in detail, I would recommend to use only one account, corporate-owned or private.

10. How long do you need to complete this project?

I usually estimate the time to be 'over-estimate'. If I could solve all the design ahead of the deadline, then I will be a hero.

11. Do you need to involve your team in this project? Who will actually design it?

Mention and introduce your team even without having to bring everything in front of clients. Clarify your position in the team so that the client can understand.

12. How does the process work?

Effectively describe the scope of work, process, output, and distribution of work, do not forget tools and property that could assist the design process.

13. What do I need to provide with this project?

Brief of your client is your basic blueprint for designing, if you need more than that then just say it, but do not overdo it.

14. What if I am not satisfied with your design?

Have an answer for this. "We are sure you will be satisfied with our design! "Optimism is still needed, but you should have a plan in case something might not be right.

15. Do you have any references?

Yes I do have reference, without reference design is certainly strange.

16. Can you show me some examples of your design?

Portfolio! You have to show that, well, describe but do not patronize your clients.

17. What is the status of ownership after I settle the payment?

Everything would have been there in the letter of agreement and you should know what to answer.

18. Does the lease cost include maintenance?

This question is more relevant when it comes to website development projects, often will be asked about who will do website maintenance? But when it comes to print design projects will tend to be more securing, because the process is time limited.

19. Tell me, why should I hire you for this project?

Practice this one, too. It's very difficult to answer, there's only one-way: believing in yourself. Convincing others is not an easy task.

20. Please show me some examples of your idea for this project.

When clients ask me this, I will most likely answer: no. Not before the agreement was signed, especially if your contract is a short-term contract: Do not do it! You should be able to direct potential clients to your portfolio to be able to sense the type and quality of work that you do. If you think you have a thin portfolio, offer only to see the projects that are in it, or rework your portfolio so that it looks more detail.