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Thread title: When is enough actually enough? |
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04-06-2005, 02:39 PM
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#1
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Status: Sin Binner
Join date: Jul 2004
Location: Yorkshire Coast - UK
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Posts: 5,911
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When is enough actually enough?
When is enough actually ENOUGH
As a freelancer you have to ask yourself what your limits are. If you're being messed about by a client it is essential to know when to 'fire' them. Effectively that's what you're doing, when you cease business with them.
Over the course of the past 28 days I've had to 'fire' two of my clients. Both for pure lack of communication and tardiness when it comes to deadlines and dates.
This is one thing which I will not tolerate. For the past 12 months now on projects I have been delivering them on deadline, to and above the expected standard. Why should I alter my timetable to work around a tardy and in some respects NON RESPONDANT client? I shouldn't. I issue a final statement saying that if I hear no reply or feedback on the work by a certain date, I will cease the project.
This means that the client does NOT have the right to have their deposit refunded, as this is why it's paid in the first place. Although don't be mistaken, I allow for plenty of time before I issue these kinds of statements to them.
I'm just wondering some of your related experiences with clients and customers, and how you dealt with them.
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04-06-2005, 03:06 PM
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#2
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Status: Request a custom title
Join date: Dec 2004
Location: United Kingdom
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Same as you have done, I've only done in once and it was only a small deposit. Theres nothing else you really can do mate.
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04-06-2005, 03:19 PM
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#3
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Status: Member
Join date: Mar 2005
Location: Trapped in my own little world
Expertise: Web Applications
Software: Notepad++
Posts: 385
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Enough is enough when you can't take it anymore. Which by the way I have never turned down anybody. Probally cause i've only had 2 clients.
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04-06-2005, 10:01 PM
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#4
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Status: Sin Binner
Join date: Jul 2004
Location: Yorkshire Coast - UK
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That's the thing though.
This isn't really based on client amount. I suppose knowing what I know now I'll make sure that the client is punctual before they send a security deposit.
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04-07-2005, 09:36 AM
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#5
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Status: Request a custom title
Join date: Nov 2004
Location: England
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I think there has to me a median, i mean the client wants YOUR work so they should make an effort for you just as you are making an effort for them. At the end of the day if youv'e done everything you can for them you can't just sit around forever waiting for them to respond when they feel like it, you did what you had to do. Good descions imo
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04-07-2005, 09:09 PM
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#6
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Status: The BidMaster
Join date: Nov 2004
Location: England
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This is why deposits and such are needed, I'll admit though...i'm a great client! Anyone who does work for me...should know that. I always pay well and more often than not will tip the designer/programmer for their services. However, i've had more problems with people working for me than clients. Enough is enough when you're more bothered about their design than they are. I would always ask for a 50% upfront deposit and measure progress along the way, if you think things are heading in the wrong direction then have a quiet word and try and get things back on track.
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04-12-2005, 03:43 AM
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#7
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Status: I'm new around here
Join date: Feb 2005
Location: new york city
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unfortunately everyone does not have the same work ethic or idea of "time" but this does not make them a bad client...
rather then cut a client I push them back... further down the priority list and I let them know... sometimes we can work something out further down the road which is ideal because a) you already started the project and b) the client is already "won"
I try my best not to cut off my nose to spite my face... though if the client is a jerk then I discontinue the project swiftly...
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04-12-2005, 08:33 AM
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#8
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Status: Junior Member
Join date: Mar 2005
Location: Copenhagen
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I'm fed up with the clients who are not punctual, not willing to pay on time and who feel no shame in asking for free things. Like I'm doing task 'a' and they would ask me politely if I can also do task 'b' which they consider a part of task 'a' and they also think that its a pretty simple task.
Once I finish this project, I would love to just 'fire' such annoying clients.
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04-13-2005, 03:45 AM
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#9
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Status: Member
Join date: Mar 2005
Location: Chicago
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It is good to deliver a notice requiring communication and or payment which will expire within no less then 2 weeks. Also, its best to send this notice via certified mail if you think someone may dispute your keeping the deposit. In addition you should make sure your terms and conditions page clearly states you reserve the right to do so.
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