Web Developers - I have a question about contracts

[Dirty Hippie]

Problem: Clients are sometimes slow to provide content for their Web site under development.

I'm currently working on a project that has been drawn out over 6 months. This site should have taken a few weeks. The client is pleased with the design and my work, she is just busy and slow to send me content.

Has anyone addressed this issue in their development contracts? I was thinking about adding a clause that would allow me to bill for 90% of the cost after a definite time period even if the site is not finished.

I would complete all of the pages and associated artwork to the point I am ready to plug in content. And if the content was not forthcoming I would bill anyway.

Has anyone successfully addressed this issue?

BTW: I'm referring primarily to static sites - little or no application programming.

Thanks

[mainegreen]

1. Why not place a clause in contracts

where while any project is still open, you bill a minimum amount every month when billable hours on the project are below a certain amount. Provides incentive to the client to get things done and gaurantees that all open projects generate income for you.
:D :shrug:

[FormerDittoHead]

2. Haven't contracted it, but I CONSTANTLY encounter it.

The contract phase is still a selling phase. The basic theme is, you'll get this benefit, in return you pay this much, but we have to cover our butts. It's difficult to "sell" what you're asking about...

I like the IDEA of your suggestion, but I would frame it different.

I'd so something like after 90 days of full approval and completion of all web developer elements (i.e. your work), if client hasn't provided final, proof-read copy, (oh, how I HATE to rewrite copy. I *charge* to WRITE the copy, it takes TIME, but they know that, say they'll do it themselves to save the money, then give me a bunch of 2nd grade crap to basically write it again myself) permission is given to fill in text space with generic text at which point the work is considered completed and 90% billable.

I wouldn't tell them that "generic text" means "your copy goes here your copy goes here your copy goes here your copy goes here your copy goes here your copy goes here"