I have a model im working on. Its a hgh poly archviz thing a architect client wants to be made for a game [as an in game model]
he provided exact renders on how he expects things to look.
Now, what happens if i do get the exact result as he wanted and the client says its not good and refuses to pay? [say he found someone cheaper than me so he just wants to get it done by the other person]
also what happens in the case i get 50% in advance and he wants his money back?
A completely accurate answer on all of the above is based on where you live, various laws relating to business and contracts, as well as what agreement (you have a contract, right?) you made with the client when you began the work.
So, with respect to ALL of that, here is how I’ve handled similar matters in my own career. What I have done may not apply to your situation.
Now, what happens if i do get the exact result as he wanted and the client says its not good and refuses to pay?
You keep the work, and don’t deliver finals.
also what happens in the case i get 50% in advance and he wants his money back?
This goes back to the contract, and what terms were agreed upon. The answer could be anywhere in the range of “You keep the advance, they get no art” to “You must return the advance, and they get no art.”
Well then, you’re not getting paid, man Sorry to be the one to break it to you.
PS. Find a new “scene”. I’ve never worked in a creative space where contracts weren’t the default. Commissions, fan art, freelance, whatever- contract is always step 1
Depends on the client, and what our existing relationship is like. I do have one that I’ve known for years; initially, we had an initial contract that self-extended on an annual basis. I’ve done additional work for her that wasn’t written & signed, but we have a relationship such that it wasn’t necessary. She knows I’ll deliver, and I know she’ll pay.
But with any new client, usually there’s a contract unless it’s such a low amount of money that neither party would lose any sleep over, if something went sideways. I’m guessing you care if you get paid, as you’ve made a post on the matter.
Cool, you do you.
In “the scene” I work in, people don’t casually deal with 5-figures that may or may not get paid, based on a few email exchanges on a promise followed by an emoji.
I’ve never not been paid for contract work that was delivered.
That’s the power of the contract- you really don’t have to worry about it, your client will be aware that you can sue them for whatever amount you want and immediately win, so they’ll behave
Ah, contracts are how you ensure you’re getting paid by getting the law involved. It’s a simple formality for honest people, and a deterrent for potentially dishonest clients.
On the other hand, if you already got from them 50% of the sum you initially agreed on and they want it back, but signed no contract, then they have no leverage on you (just like you have none on them), so you can (and should!) keep the 50% for your trouble.
Perhaps your client is dishonest, perhaps they’re simply clueless. In any case you both will learn good practices from this.
This reminds me of my favourite video that I like to watch at least once a year.
It has great advice on how to deal with this, but as everyone said, get a contract sorted out, and if you’re planning on starting a business, then get a lawyer to help you out with all the contract/lawyer stuff.