Dealing with Disputes when You Make Your Own Advertising Ads

Regularly people wonder how to deal with troubles involving advertising ads. Disputes are unlikely to arise as a result of poor work quality, because of the various checks at each stage. You will approve the designer's layout and artwork, the copywriter's copy, the photographer's or artist's illustrations, the typesetter's setting and the printer's proof, so any disagreements can be ironed out then. If you don't like something at that stage, then it is usually for one of four reasons:

• They haven't followed your instructions. They should then make the necessary changes, or redo the job, at no extra cost. If they refuse, you are entitled to reject their work, refuse to pay, and go elsewhere.

• They have followed your instructions, but have made some mistakes. They should then correct their errors at no extra charge.

• They have followed your instructions, but you don't like the results. You will have to pay the price agreed, and can negotiate an extra charge for them to make the changes you want. If you can't agree on a price for the changes you can go elsewhere, but you are still liable for the original charge.

• Your instructions weren't clear. You will probably have to pay for the job and any changes you want made. However, you could negotiate on any extra charges, as the suppliers should also have ensured that they knew what you wanted.

One other possible source of dispute can arise with the printing of brochures. You may occasionally find that there is a problem with the final brochures, even after you have checked the proof. For example, the printer might not give the ink enough time to dry completely before folding them, which can result in smudging. If that or any similar printing problem arises, you are entitled to ask for the job to be redone at no extra charge.

If, however, you want to use the brochures immediately, and feel that they are usable despite the problem, you should be able to negotiate a reduction in the printer's price. If you aren't able to come to an amicable arrangement, consult your local Trading Standards Officer, as they could be classified as substandard goods.

One should make a self checklist to gauge such things.

• Have you some examples of the work of the specialists you are considering hiring? Are you satisfied that their style and quality are what you are looking for?

• Do you know the going rate for the job you want done?

• Have you defined the job clearly?

• Do you know exactly what is included in the price agreed?

• Does the work conform to what was agreed?

• If you are not happy with the result, can you establish who is responsible?

• Do you know how to sort out any disputes?

In the end being meticulous will pay off extraordinarily with advertising ads.