Starting a new partnership brings both excitement and uncertainty.  First impressions for client and contractor clearly went well, otherwise there’d be no project.  But, you’ve never actually worked together, so who knows how this thing’s really gonna go?

I’ve written before about the importance of managing expectations.  What some people don’t seem to realize is that this doesn’t start at the beginning of the first project.  It starts before the proposal is ever even written.

I’ve been surprised as a freelancer at how few questions I sometimes get at the outset.  While I appreciate the vote of confidence, I personally would never hire a new contractor without posing some make-or-breakers.  Depending on the answers, a proposal may be a waste of time for both of us.

Now flip the script.  For new contractors just getting their feet wet, or those who face misunderstandings with some regularity, you’ll want to do a little probing as well.  That first interview is very much a two-way street, after all.

Below are four key questions each side should be asking right away.  None should be eyepopping, which is exactly why it’s eyepopping to me that they don’t always come up.

4 Questions Clients Should Ask New Contractors Up Front

1.  What’s your bandwidth for this?

It’s not just about whether or not they can meet your deadline.  If they’re working on 10 other things, there’s only so much butter that can go over that bread before the corners are overlooked.  Their approach to bandwidth tells you something about them.  I limit myself to a handful of active projects (sometimes only one) so that each client receives the attention it deserves.  Their ability to meet your timeframe—with quality work—will become clearer as you talk through this.

2.  What’s your process?

“Process” can vary greatly by industry.  Regardless, you should know what you can expect from the person or group who’s building your baby.  Onboarding, briefs, interviews, check-ins…whatever’s necessary to get the job done ought to be established to avoid surprises.  Plus, you become better prepared to support their needs, which facilitates faster turnarounds.

3.  Can I see work samples?

Would you hire an artist to paint your portrait without seeing what they’ve done for others?  Not that you’d ever commission your own likeness, but for the sake of argument we can safely say no, you wouldn’t.  There’s no better indicator of quality than one’s track record.  If portfolios don’t apply, then ask them to share reviews or talk about past projects so they can still paint a reassuring picture.

4.  What’s your rate structure?

Unless your project is cut, dry, and quotable on the spot, the contractor may need to go back and run some numbers.  You’ll want to know what this entails before having them do that, though.  Hourly or flat rate?  Minimum charge?  Fee for revisions?  Don’t wait for the proposal to discover there’s a misalignment on preferred arrangement.

4 Questions Contractors Should Ask New Clients Up Front

1.  What’s your vision for the deliverable?

I ask this before every project, even for existing clients.  Is there anything you’d like the final product to resemble?  What finished pieces are you looking for specifically?  What format’s needed?  If you submit something that in no way resembles what they had in mind, that’s on you and could impact repeat business.

2.  Do you have existing materials to reference?

Knowing whether I’m going to build off of something they already have or start from scratch does two things.  First, it gives me a sense of how much work will go into it.  Second, I better understand their needs as a business.  For instance, a startup with no marketing collateral or know-how may rely on me for other expertise as well, which shapes the potential future of the partnership.

3.  Will you be providing most of the information I’ll need?

I always do my due diligence with a new client in order to understand their business and market.  Getting smart on the landscape surrounding any project, for that matter, is expected.  But, the extent of my research will depend on how much info they already have on hand.  If it’s zilch, I may have to factor in significantly more time/resources to gather the insights I need for strong output (depending on what it is).

4.  What’s your deadline?

Here’s how this one sometimes goes:

Me:  What’s your deadline?

Them:  ASAP.

Me:  Okay, what’s your actual deadline?

That’s a verbatim conversation I’ve had more than once.  Last-minute needs happen.  However, please don’t come to me with a two-month project you need done in a week.  And ASAP is not an answer—a date is an answer.  Contractors must get a firm read here and be ready to decline if it’s unreasonable.  Don’t bite off more than you can chew just because they’re in a hurry and willing to pay.  You don’t want this to become a regular thing with them.

Good luck to you contractors out there, hope this helps.  If there are any potential clients who want to run through a live version of this for, you know, a live project, I’m happy to oblige.