dealing with clients

[beastieangel01]

I've been doing freelance, and I have one client who is just driving me UP THE FUCKING WALL.

I did this favor for my cousin, discount web design right. But the main contact is some other guy. I was supposed to be done with this project by June 1st. May 1st I said I could get it done in a month given that I have all the material I need from them. I made a very detailed list. I would have been done June 1st if they sent me all the information and images in a timely manner, like I asked them to.

And now I'm getting bitched out because the deadline for them to submit a site is around the corner and now I have classes and other things to do so I cannot spend time on it. Maybe I can spend an hour on it but I doubt it.

Now I'm being told they did not send me all the information and material I needed because they were not 100% happy with the layout. Okay, great, so why didn't you say that when I've spoken to you via email at least 20 times and on the phone at least 6 times since then? You didn't say a fucking word about not liking it or wanting changes so whos fault is that?

I feel bad because it was to help my cousin out but fuck that, man.

After my other freelance job, I quit web design. This is one of many headaches I've dealt with. Despite contracts, people are so unreliable and not at all professional about it.

[marsdaddy]

That's life, in a nutshell. Look at it as a learning experience.

Maybe next time, you can find out if there is a final deadline date which they absolutely need it by. Most people (and businesses) won't do anything until the final deadline date is creeping up.

Also, you might want to build in multiple deadlines to make sure you unearth any potential roadblocks along the way. Maybe something like this:

submit inital layout = May 7
final layout approval = May 10
design presentation = May 12
final approval = May 15
launch = May 31

Also, you might want to submit a bill for services (maybe half the agreed upon price) before the final approval. That way, if things go south, you've at least been paid for 1/2 your services.

[MC Moot]

it's not so bad,really,this year one client pissed in my desk drawer while others have bitten,kicked,punched and even impaled me with a fork.....;)

[abcdefz]

That's life, in a nutshell. Look at it as a learning experience.

Maybe next time, you can find out if there is a final deadline date which they absolutely need it by. Most people (and businesses) won't do anything until the final deadline date is creeping up.

Also, you might want to build in multiple deadlines to make sure you unearth any potential roadblocks along the way. Maybe something like this:

submit inital layout = May 7
final layout approval = May 10
design presentation = May 12
final approval = May 15
launch = May 31

Also, you might want to submit a bill for services (maybe half the agreed upon price) before the final approval. That way, if things go south, you've at least been paid for 1/2 your services.




Yep. Good advices.

I've gotten pretty damned cautious doing freelance for people, and this is more or less what I do. It felt a little weird the first time, being assertive enough to say "Here's the deal," but with everything out in the open (and often in writing), there are no surprises for anyone as the work goes along.

People try to take advantage LIKE CRAZY, and -- hate to say it -- "friends" and relatives more than any others. I think they just see a freelancer as one person and don't realize that this one person is a BUSINESS, not just some kid selling lemonade for a quarter.

[beastieangel01]

Look at it as a learning experience.


Also, you might want to submit a bill for services (maybe half the agreed upon price) before the final approval. That way, if things go south, you've at least been paid for 1/2 your services.

Yeah I do. And I didn't set it up super rigid because it was a favor but obviously, I need to regardless. But I plan on no more web design and just selling art because my art is selling and I MUCH rather do that with my time.

And I did get paid half up front so that's good.

Again I just feel kind of bad because my cousin is with them, but....

I told them I quit. Heh.