Error on the side of generosity

This post was inspired by situations I’ve experienced in the graphic design and printing business. In this type of business, we are hired to design or typeset pieces that we will ultimately print for the customer. As good as the system is, there is always a chance that someone makes a mistake. If it is the customer who accidentally provided some wrong information, or didn’t catch an error on a proof they approved, what is the best way to handle that? You may have their signature showing that they approved the proof. Technically your have every right to charge them the full amount for a reprint. I’ve found that being generous in this type of situation goes a long way. Many businesses will offer 10% off, but we all know that 10% off doesn’t usually add up to much. I recommend 25%-50% off depending on your margin. For some larger customers, I would even recommend a free reprint if the order size isn’t very large. It’s a gesture showing that you want to help, and that you have no intention of profiting off their oversight. The customer will usually appreciate it, and it may help build a stronger relationship for years to come.

January 29, 2019