Releasing Part Files To Clients

[Myndex]

Here's a question that came up recently. I'm an independent consultant/designer. Recently one of clients asked if he could have the actual part files from my CAD program, in addition to the IGES and STL files I planned on giving him.

My general instinct is no not deliver the part files, as this contains all the intelligence (i.e. my skill and knowhow laid out in the design tree, etc.) of the part. With the part file, he could go to another designer for changes if he so desired. Thus after all the hard work of developing the part, future revisions could be done by some other (read: cheaper) individual.

On the one hand, I consider my know-how in developing a clean, well organized design tree a "trade secret". On the other hand, this *is* a "work for hire" in that I'm contracting my services to him for a fee.

My question is then, what do some of you do in this situation? What are customary "deliverables" - does it include all work product such as part files, or just final files?

Thank you for your thoughts!


Regards,


Andy

 

[MacGyverS2000]

This should have been spelled out quite clearly in your agreement. It's irrelevant if all of your hard work went into the part file if you promised to hand over all relevant material. If, on the other hand, you only promised enough information to have the part manufactured, than the IGES files are adequate compensation.

If he chooses to go somewhere less expensive, that is the client's choice, and you should not punish him for going that route (wouldn't YOU go somewhere less expensive if you had the opportunity?). That also means you don't need to reward him either by parting with files that were not contracted for.

 

[Myndex]

That's the thing - we're still negotiating the agreement. My standard agreement spells out STL and IGES files and nothing more. Before signing, he asked (by email) if he could get the part files - I haven't responded yet and I want to say no in a "nice" way and am looking for some ammo to back up my position - i.e. industry standards or something like that.


Regards,


Andy

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Well, it's not like you're going to find an ISO document stating anything of the sort. The only "standard" document is he one you create and normally use, but always feel free to change the standard if a situation warrants it.

I see no harm in mentioning to the client that parting with the part files is against YOUR standard practice, but you'll gladly do so for the right price. If your prices are significantly higher than the competition, than the client may not be out of line asking for something more... you've already mentioned him going somewhere less expensive, which leads me to believe you believe your own prices are a bit on the high side.

He's a client, so work with him. Mention the issue in plain, non-confrontational language and I'm sure he'll be able to appreciate your situation. Nothing says he has to sign the contract with you, so it gives him the option.

 

[Myndex]

Thanks MacGyver - I was just trying to get another point of view. And perhaps be able to say "most design firms that I know of don't..." and so on.

I don't think my prices are on the high side - indeed, I'm doing what I think is "cut rate" to develop this new client - nevertheless, this cut rate is still twice what I've seen people posting on some of the job sites.

On some of those sites I see people posting rates as low as $40 an hour. How on earth do people survive as freelancers at such low rates?! Are they living with their parents?!?! And are these people giving up their part files too?

Ugh.


Andy

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I took on a new client a couple of months ago. Normal pricing would be $100/hr for any work (electronic design), but I set the price for this particular project at $75/hr for design and $65/hr for component research. From what I can tell, the client has been quite happy with the work I've done, so far, which means more projects in the future at the normal rate.

So, at $40/hr, they may actually be just paying the bills, but it gets them a new client and some great word of mouth advertising.

 

[Myndex]

Okay, so in your case, do you give your clients your project files ffrom Orcad, Eagle, or whatever you use - or do you only give them the Gerbers, drill and other files for actually making the boards?


Andy

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I normally give Gerbers only, unless the client specifically requests more. Of course, price goes up accordingly, but in most cases the client only expects the necessary files for creating the product. Not providing anything extra means they come back to me for rework, and if they want to go elsewhere, then they buy the entire project file set.

 

[Myndex]

Well, there ya have it... exactly the kind of data I was looking for - thanks for your input on this subject, it's been helpful.


Andy

 

[ProbaSci]

Why not respond that you usually provide "universal" file formats so that the client can use more vendors. Explain that software specific files would hamper his ability to get the part made. If the client still wants the CAD version, I'd give it to them. If your client feels the service you offer is a good value, he will continue to use you.

As for "cut rate" pricing, it may be part timers who only want to supplement another income source, or they may advertise a cheap hourly rate but then propose twice the hours to do the job.

Interstingly, a presentation that I saw on the web (I think for gov't contracting) claimed that being too cheap was not an advantage. Technical people tend to throw out the highest and lowest prices and gravitate toward mean prices. Of course, enough cut rate prices drives the mean down....