Totally screwed....

[SidekickWD]

Well, it didn't go well, but not terrible either. (maybe)

I was asked to create an image for a brochure and I told him that I felt we should complete the project at hand before we start anything else, and we had gone quite a bit past the original scope of the design for this work. I also said that I was okay with doing some of the extra work and not charging for it at this time, but I wasn't comfortable adding more work to the project at this point. I explained that at this point I was losing money on his website due to the time and work involved, and therefore I couldn't possibly add more to it.

His response:
"I need this done. Now. Like half an hour ago now. I know you can just send me the image files real quick, so let's get it done. And as for the website, I told you it was going to be a big site, and I also told you that if you do a good job for me and I like it, I'll make it worth your trouble."

Huh?!

I just want to get this thing done and out of my hair now. I do feel slightly taken advantage of...but screw it, no more new work and I'll just wrap this puppy up and chalk it up to "Lessons I've Learned".

[tommylogic]

Wow... sorry to hear this> It does have a SLIGHT bit of hope yet, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Put time restrictions for your next project. Do a visual layout of deadlines for the client, what they will get, what's included, and when you will produce it... Cwilk has a good one she uses.. I have a copy some where & I'll send it to you.. if I can find it.

[SidekickWD]

I'd really appreciate that Tommy. And yah, I certainly wont hold my breath. But like I said, I did learn something from this. And being as green as I am to all of this, there are bound to be more lessons in store.

[LeadMagnet]

You did the right thing. $1million worth of "maybe-money" is worth absolutely nothing.

[blueocto]

Originally Posted by LeadMagnet

$1million worth of "maybe-money" is worth absolutely nothing.

Nice little pointer

[Cwilk]

I've always been up front and 'matter-of-fact' with my clients when this happens. Just tell them that what they are requesting is out of the scope of the contract (unless it says in the contract that you'll bill them for additional work). But you need to give them the benefit of the doubt and let them know. They may not even know they're doing this unless you tell them.

Same goes for small projects. The "few simple images to put in a brochure...." tell him how much it will cost to do this if it isn't in the contract.

[Cwilk]

Originally Posted by SidekickWD

Well, it didn't go well, but not terrible either. (maybe)

His response:
"I need this done. Now. Like half an hour ago now. I know you can just send me the image files real quick, so let's get it done. And as for the website, I told you it was going to be a big site, and I also told you that if you do a good job for me and I like it, I'll make it worth your trouble."

Huh?!

Sidekick,

Here's what to do when this happens:

First of all I prepare for answers like this before I talk to a client.

Client Response: "I know you can just send me the image files real quick, so let's get it done."
You should answer something like this: "Please understand that I have other clients who have been scheduled and they won't approve of their projects being bumped as much as you wouldn't want your project to be bumped. But I'll see what I can do to work your new request into my schedule."

Another option: "I have the next xx amount of days allotted to another project. But I can schedule the changes on such and such day."

Client Response: "And as for the website, I told you it was going to be a big site, and I also told you that if you do a good job for me and I like it, I'll make it worth your trouble."
You should answer something like this: "Based on the original contract, I feel I am staying on top of the original website design and I'd prefer if we negotiate an addendum to the original contract that works for both of us in making any additional changes."

Both of these responses put the ball in their court without you looking like you're a softie and will give in to them. They also make you look like you're organized and that the client making these requests isn't your only client.

Don't forget the most important thing about what we do.... don't be afraid to lose a client.

Also, I just found someone online trying to bash us for poor work. The problem with the client (if that's what you can call them) is that we never did any projects for them.

Here's the review they gave: Justine t.'s Reviews | Alameda | Yelp

And here are the problems with this review. The client was an artist who exhibited in our gallery. The only work we did for them was to produce prints from their own artwork. We didn't do any design work, typography or layout or anything else for that matter, so the review they are giving is bogus. The reason they are disgruntled is because none of their artwork sold. Here's one of the pieces we had hung in our gallery: http://www.slimmbuick.com/files/Alien1.JPG

Anyways, sometimes this stuff just happens.

[ranchero80]

Its hard work dealing with clients, they always push and push to get the most they can out of you.

You need to learn to push back.
One way I found was to provide the client with a "Price Quote" and a really stringent contract that goes with the price. As soon as they want something changed - sorry its not in the contract - i will send you a "revised qoute and contract" which includes this new work. Up the price and don't forget to charge time for your paper work too.

[Scriptage]

http://www.slimmbuick.com/files/Alien1.JPG

What the s**t is this f**k?

[PR Design]

Originally Posted by Scriptage

What the s**t is this f**k?

Seconded! That really is pre-school type stuff at best!