3D printing is a versatile and creative skill that can produce amazing results for your clients. However, it also requires careful planning, time management, and communication to meet their expectations and deadlines. In this article, you will learn some of the most effective ways to communicate deadlines with clients and avoid misunderstandings, delays, and frustration.
One of the first steps to communicate deadlines with clients is to set realistic expectations based on your 3D printing capabilities, resources, and workflow. You need to consider factors such as the complexity, size, and quantity of the models, the availability and quality of the materials, the speed and accuracy of the printer, and the post-processing and finishing steps. You also need to account for possible errors, revisions, and contingencies. Based on these factors, you can estimate how long each stage of the project will take and communicate it clearly to your client.
To optimize deadline communication with clients, implement a comprehensive approach. Begin by preparing a project sheet for live tracking, facilitating real-time updates and transparency. Send regular email updates with deadlines, ensuring clarity and accountability. Schedule weekly client calls to provide in-depth status updates and address any queries promptly. In case of critical failures leading to delays, communicate proactively, outlining the challenges and revised timelines to maintain transparency and build trust.
A tool I have found incredibly helpful is to provide an initial sample that reflects the final product that is requested. This helps both the design and digital fabrication team to gauge what to expect time wise and given the level of detail that its expected. This also helps the team troubleshoot any situations that can present difficulties in the production. Secondly this allows for the client to have a on hand visual understanding of the product they are requesting. This would provide the team to present their case on their production schedule, cost and delivery expectations. This is a method that serves really well for larger scale production in 3D printing.
Another way to communicate deadlines with clients is to use a project management tool that allows you to track and share the progress of your 3D printing project. A project management tool can help you organize your tasks, assign responsibilities, set milestones, and update your client on the status of the project. You can also use it to send reminders, feedback, and notifications to your client and keep them informed of any changes or issues that may affect the deadline. Some examples of project management tools that you can use are Trello, Asana, Basecamp, or Airtable.
After years of trying various software tools, ultimately the best that has served me well is using a Gantt Chart. There are so many software tools in the market that include this feature, however this can be created simply using a calendar as well. Ultimately using all forms of communication is key to maintain a project on track and for me Wrike has been the best tool for my management method.
A third way to communicate deadlines with clients is to be transparent and honest about your 3D printing process and any challenges or delays that you may encounter. You should not make promises that you cannot keep or hide problems that may affect the quality or timeliness of your deliverables. Instead, you should communicate openly and proactively with your client and explain the reasons and solutions for any setbacks or deviations from the original plan. You should also apologize and offer compensation or alternatives if you fail to meet the deadline.
Honesty should always be the cornerstone of every project. This alone creates an efficient journey throughout the production, as well as ensuring future engagement with the client. Communicating deadlines and changes to production is key to problem solving. Given that every project can present is unique set of challenges, having clear channels of communication with your production team and client, greater enforces a sense of trust. This will create a space where problem solving discussions become easier to bring into the table.
A fourth way to communicate deadlines with clients is to ask for feedback and confirmation throughout the 3D printing project. You should not assume that your client is satisfied or aware of your work without checking with them regularly. You should ask for their input, approval, or suggestions at key points of the project, such as when you finalize the design, start the printing, or complete the post-processing. You should also confirm that they have received your deliverables and that they meet their expectations and specifications.
Feedback is essential to greater effectiveness of production and delivery. A practice I have implemented in all of the teams I have managed, is to devote a few hours after the completion and delivery of a project to discuss production. Everything is put on the table, from the mistakes made, as well as praise for the successful ideas and execution of. With the client it is important to also develop this relationship as it would further create a level of trust. Showing care and attention to client satisfaction, as well as being open to criticism and opportunities of growth shows your team is always learning, growing and developing their skills and quality of work.
Provide sample parts. Document customer style preferences for successful builds. Establish a method for measuring various print attributes (side walls, top surface finish, support surface finish) and share your measured capabilities with clients. Verify parts meet this established spec prior to shipping.
A fifth way to communicate deadlines with clients is to establish a clear contract that outlines the scope, terms, and conditions of your 3D printing project. A contract can help you avoid disputes, misunderstandings, or conflicts that may arise from unclear or unrealistic expectations or obligations. A contract should include details such as the description and specifications of the models, the delivery method and date, the payment method and schedule, the ownership and copyright of the models, and the cancellation and refund policy.
A sixth way to communicate deadlines with clients is to build trust and rapport with them. You should not treat your client as a mere transaction, but as a partner and a collaborator. You should show them that you care about their needs, goals, and satisfaction, and that you value their feedback and opinions. You should also communicate with them in a friendly, respectful, and professional manner, and use the appropriate tone, language, and medium. By building trust and rapport with your client, you can foster a positive and long-lasting relationship that can lead to repeat business, referrals, and recommendations.