Given the complexities of the various phases of the web design and development process – including many variables often revolving around pending client feedback – I have often wondered how other web designers go about scheduling their own projects.

Status Quo

Although I officially started my web design company, iDesign Studios, in 2001 – it was originally nothing more than a bit of side work here or there. It wasn’t until the last couple years that I finally had the drive and determination to take my business to the next level.

Next month marks my one year anniversary of having quit my day job to run my company full time, and things have been steadily getting busier. Up until recently, my general policy on scheduling new projects was to start work on them immediately upon receipt of a signed contract and 50% deposit, delivering each major phase within one week (with two to three business days for minor revisions).

With this method, my workload has been (for the most part) completely manageable… until the moon and stars align, and I get hit with three or four people sending in their contracts and deposits over a two day period – leaving me with a very busy week ahead!

I’ve found this to be happening more and more frequently lately, and realize it’s finally time to re-evaluate my scheduling process.

Freelance Switch posted an article titled “Freelancers Beware of Receiving Payments via Credit Card through PayPal” a few days ago that still has me shaking in my boots!The article details a terrible experience that Cara Williams had with a very bad client and PayPal.

PayPal often boasts about it’s strong buyer protection. But what about sellers? Sellers – especially sellers of services and other non-tangible goods – are least protected of them all.

Question is… what’s the alternative? There seem to be drawbacks to just about every payment out there (chargebacks to PayPal payments, chargebacks to credit card purchases made through other merchant accounts, bounced checks, etc.)

There has been a massive outpouring of support and concern over the issue – go look at the growing comments! I’ve learned quite a bit from the comments to this article.

I personally use PayPal and good old fashioned checks for payments for my web design services. On one hand, PayPal is nice and quick, but they take away a percentage (as with any merchant account…) Checks are great because you get the entire amount for yourself – it just takes longer to arrive in the mail, and involves an extra trip to the bank, etc.

So, what should you do? Yes, PayPal is convenient, inexpensive, and everyone and their mother seem to already have an account. But, with such lack of protection for the seller (aka you and me) – we might actually be better off spending a little extra money on a “real” merchant account. Question is, of course – which is the best one? Who will stick up for us the seller against fraudulent chargebacks?

Go check out Cara’s Story – heck, I’d almost call it a nightmare! Lots of great conversation over the issue on Freelance Switch. I’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions, whether it’s over here, or at the original article.

Edit: Freelance Switch has since posted a follow up article, with some alternatives to paypal. You can read that article here:

• Linkswitch! PayPal Alternatives & Extra Goodies

I just came across a very interesting post by Nick Cernis on Put Things Off in regards to using the “F” word with clients and potential clients.LOL – No, not a curse word – but the word “Freelance” or “Freelancer” etc.

Shock! Horror! Are You Using The F Word Around Your Clients?

In his article, Nick discusses both the Pro’s and Con’s of using this term with clients and potential clients, etc.

Personally, I have been using this as part of my non-official title on my other web sites, but am now reconsidering it…

Of course, as part of this blog and blogging community, I am among the company of some amazing Freelancer’s! That is what I am, too, so I will proudly continue to use the F word around here, LOL.

I hope you’ll give this article a read! It is interesting to see the comments and what everyone else has to say on the matter.

What do you think?

Do you use this term with your clients and prospects? Did the article change your mind about it?

I would love to hear your opinion on the matter, whether it’s here or over at the original article!

Skellie of Skelliewag and Anywired recently wrote a four part series on Freelance Switch about Becoming a Freelance Web Worker.This isn’t just in reference to becoming a freelancer – the articles focus on how to be a freelancer who does 100% of their business online. I found the posts to be very helpful and informative!

The series focuses on:

How to find clients, how to work completely online and how to run your freelancing business from anywhere in the world.

Working as an online-only freelancer takes this flexibility to another level. You can work for who you want, when you want, in any state or country in the world (all you need is an internet connection and a computer).

I would say that the majority of my business is done online – in fact I don’t actually have any local clients. I think of this as a great thing, because that means I don’t have to deal with any in-person meetings.

Most importantly, I’m able to do all of my work from the comfort of home, or wherever my laptop takes me. With no local clients, I’m lucky enough not to have to go to their office to work, for example.

On the other hand, most of my clients and prospects prefer the phone to email, and most pay by check rather than by PayPal – so in this sense, I’m not truly a web worker yet.

However, the majority of my business either comes from referrals or from online sources (most have found my web sites through the search engines, for example).

My favorite post in the series is Part 2: Finding Work Online. Skellie lists 23 ways to find work online, and goodness knows we can all use tips on how to get more work… well, those of us just starting out, anyway, lol.

So, I am fairly close to being an online only freelancer – the tips in the articles below might just get me to 100%. Hopefully they will help get you there, too!

Becoming a Freelance Web Worker

• Part 1: Why You Should Do It
• Part 2: Finding Work Online
• Part 3: The Working Day
• Part 4: Working Anywhere

I just came across a new Ebook from one of my favorite blogs! Freelance Switch is an amazing blog for Freelancers. I’d just about have to say that it actually is my favorite blog.

They’ve recently published a 212 page Ebook titled How to Be a Rockstar Freelancer. (Currently available as an Ebook… due out in Paperback in January 2008!)

I haven’t gotten my hands on a copy yet – this book is extremely high on my wish list, though… if I get a little extra Christmas money, I very well plan on spending some of it right here.

So anyway, I can’t give my own review, but from what I’ve heard from other people who have read this book, it is a great resource. It apparently covers information that is not included on the blog. Goodness knows I’ve received invaluable advice from the Freelance Switch blog, so I can only imagine how much more helpful this book will be.

Topics include…

• Getting Your First Jobs
• Scoping & Timeframes
• Pricing Yourself
• Doing the Job
• Clients
• Getting Paid
• Marketing Yourself
• Building a Business

This sounds like a truly great read. A perfect last minute Christmas gift for any Freelancers out there.

FreelanceSwitch has written yet another great article (this is one of my favorite sites that I visit daily). Their latest piece is about the importance sharpening your skills in your industry. It wouldn’t be complete without a big list of suggestions to help you achieve this.