Letterpress “release form” to account for variations in color, etc.
I own a wholesale stationery company which offers custom letterpress stationery, and I recently had a client who rejected an order because it was die-cut 1/64” crooked (not visible to the naked eye…they took it to their architect to be measured). I had another client who demanded that we reprint a job because the color did not exactly match the density of the pantone swatch. And another client who freaked out because the watermark on the Somerset paper we printed on was visible on the finished product. In an attempt to prevent problems like this from arising in the future, I want to create a “release form”—that all clients will have to sign before we will print their job—so I can protect myself (and my subcontractors) from having to eat the cost of reprinting these jobs because of variations that are within industry standards. Does anyone know if there is a form like this already in existence? Or does anyone have suggestions as to things I should include? I’m thinking something like what you find on clothing tags about how the “individuality” of the fabric is not a defect, but a natural and beautiful part of this handmade garment…..
marenogden,
I have a terms of agreement I received from a good friend, Here is a link to the terms. I’ve had similar problems. Hope this helps.
http://www.inkylipspress.com/terms.html
Casey
iLP
Had you used a release form I don’t think you would have experienced less problems with those clients. The only real leverage you’re going to get is with their money, so make sure that they’ve put at least half of the amount down in advance and get the rest when they pick up the job. At that point if there is a disagreement, it really comes down to your professional opinion. Mistakes do happen and if that is the case you rerun the job but if you feel that the printing is acceptable then you insist on payment for the balance. If they refuse, you at least have the deposit—and the printing. Under no circumstances should you allow a client to take the work from your shop without payment. Problems that arise after that point may occur but you’ll be in a much better position for discussing the matter.