Almost lost a 5 year client because I forgot to watermark a draft I sent over

I was editing a product review video for a brand in Austin last Thursday and I accidentally uploaded the raw export without the watermark overlay. The client saw it, downloaded it, and next thing I know they're telling their boss they can just use this version for free and skip paying me the final $1,200. I had to call the marketing director directly and explain it was a draft, not the finished piece. She was cool about it but I could tell she was annoyed I even let that slip through. Now I double check every export three times before hitting send and I keep a checklist taped to my monitor. Has anyone else had a client try to screw them over a simple mistake like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

tyler614d ago

Man I've been there. I watermark everything now even rough cuts because people will try to pull that. Best thing I did was start putting a big yellow "DRAFT NOT FINAL" stamp across the whole frame so it's useless to them. Also I make clients sign a agreement upfront that says any unauthorized use of unfinished work gets charged triple. Keeps them honest and covers your back when stuff slips through.

rowan72514d ago

Had a buddy lose a whole ad campaign that way. Sucks.