Big Time Client Issue - Advice?
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- keithrondinelli
I have a "client" – if that is what they can indeed be called – who, several months ago contacted me wanting a web site. They only could spend VERY little money, but talked me into it stating that it would be great for me to have their name on my client list, and that I could be as creative as I wanted, and that this was my "vision". I expressed trepidation right at the beginning that, because this was for virtually no money, and the fact that the client wanted it to be really "cool" but didn't really have any idea what they wanted, that I was worried about this becoming an issue of constant changes and revisions and indecision. I went against my gut feeling – to not take the project – and took it on. Sure enough, months later, I've barely gotten off of the home page design. The "client" continually makes nit-picky revisions, changes, comes up with new ideas on a whim, etc. etc. This has become a nightmare, and is no longer worth it for me. I think I want out of it altogether. The client has already paid me half of the piddly sum. We FAR over the scope of the project. Any advice? I've reached my limit with this.
- kelpie0
what was the fee?
oh and: jesus wept man, this could be a test case.
- bulletfactory0
fire the client.
- kelpie0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Con…
+
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cha…for future reference
- bigtrick0
return the money. fire the client.
- +1comicsans
- dont ever return the money. They cant return the time youve put in. You're always even.mikotondria3
- neverblink0
Have you made a contract? Have you send them an estimate? Even if you have not. Just tell them any more revisions will not fall under the current agreement and will be billed accordingly.
- keithrondinelli0
Kelpie, there is a contract – a well laid-out one that is based off of a template that I've developed over years, that explicitly states 2 revisions for the home page design, etc. etc.
- contract's kind of useless if you don't enforce it no?kelpie
- pylon0
If there's a contract and they signed it and it's breached, you've got reason to pull the emergency brakes. Full stop.
- ximeraLabs0
Dude, if your client sounds exactly like a cartoon you know nothing good is gonna come from it...
- whereRI0
yep, pull out, keep or return the deposit and shit in a paper bag and mail it to them
- keithrondinelli0
Is it unethical or unprofessional to pull out but not give the money back? I've already done more work than was originally stated, and have only gotten a quarter of a way through the project. I feel like I deserve what I've gotten so far...
- what does the contract state about breaches? it should be in there... if it's not, then up to youbigtrick
- if you keep the deposit though, expect a very angry client - worst case, they will sue you to prove a point.bigtrick
- Give them what you've done so far and keep the money or vice versa. Give them the choicecomicsans
- calculator0
Hand over the files with the invoice for the remainder.
- MSTRPLN0
Why would it be great to have the name of a client that has very little money on your client list?
- keithrondinelli0
MSTRPLN, you are right, but they talked me into it. Smooth talkers.
- cannonball19780
"...but talked me into it..."
theres your problem right there
- brandelec0
she's hot isn't she
- Projectile0
pretend you're going away for a long time. or have a massive project coming up. tell them you have one day to quickly whip it out.. but that's maybe a good thing as you've already way overstepped the budget in terms of time. I'll email you with what i've done. if there are any minor changes i;'ll see if i can do them.
finish it, create it, and hand it over. then walk to the sink, get out the hand soap, and scrub.
- mydo0
think of it as a painful lesson. then your instinct will toughen up.
