25 replies to this topic

[rustybrick]

Grumpus,

I let some clients piss me off. Some are worth it.

[Grumpus]

Sure. They are. And I can apply a value to that and charge them for it accordingly. If it's really "worth" it, then there's no need to charge extra. If it's not worth it, I've got the clause in there that allows me to make it worth it.

G.

[Jill]

lol...I've had instances where a potential client seems like they're going to be a HUGE pain in the rear, so I quote them some utterly ridiculous high price in order for them to just go away. Kinda sucks when they actually agree to it though and you have to then work with them!

That was my old strategy. Now I just tell them to go away and don't quote them any price.

Jill

[OldWelshGuy]

That was a strategy we use to use when we HAD to tender for work, or be thrown of the tendering list, Quote MUCH MUCH to high.

The one that got me into trouble was the 'I am too busy to take you on at the moment'.

A year or two ago I told a potential customer this and was satisfied I had done the right thing as he was a right pain in the XXX.

Picture the look on my face then when I went to a lodge fundraiser and the pain, was stood talking to a customer that I had just taken on . I had arranged to meet the new customer there as we were both going anyhow, but never expected this.

As I walked over the pain smiled and said " Your right, I am xxxxx hard work, and a pain in the xxx, so if you would like to re-evaluate how much work you have, you can deal with my missus, and I will keep out of things". All three of us burst into laughter, and I did in fact take him on, and he is really a nice guy.

He is just a pain in the xxx who asks you what you think should be done about something, then cuts across your answer with what HE thinks should be done.

I still deal with his missus, who, truth be known is the brains behind the show anyhow

[Dyan]

Was I wrong in doing so. IMO it was all a bit suss and I approached cautiously. Once bitten twice shy I had told them.

When is enough, enough and you tell prospective clients to go elsewhere in these circumstances. I guess I don't have much tolerance for these types of idiots, so I tell them. What do others do?

I have hit the point in life where I will sit on my rear watching Survivor re-runs (as an example of a totally pointless endeavor) before I allow my efforts to be undervalued ever again. So I don't think what you did was wrong at all.

[anthonyparsons.com]

Thanks Dyan,

It is really good to see the wealth of experience and problems that have come from this forum. I think I may even write an article on this one from the notes here. (I hope that is allowed by the way, writing an article about this topic)

This obviously touched something that needs to be expressed a little more, maybe even right smack bang on my front page. I think my website it very straight down the line to get rid of the idiots and waste of time pers, but I am learning that they are persistent!!!

[Jill]

Anthony, that's fine to write an article based on the thoughts here, but please be sure to give credit where credit is due if you use anyone's particular thoughts or comments.

Thanks!

Jill

[BrianR]

LOL - I agree with your point Jill but, Anthony's article could end up with longer credits than a Hollywood movie! I read somewhere that the record for the longest rolling credits in a movie was 9 minutes. 9 minutes! - that must feel like an eternity when you're busting to go to the loo after a 3 hour movie!

BrianR

[anthonyparsons.com]

Ok, here's that article I wrote on it. I only used Grumpus and Scottie's direct reference and gave appropriate credit as such for their writing.

If any problems, please let me know and I can change the original.

http://search-engine...ne-services.htm

[DianeV]

One thing I would add to this is that I've noticed that programmers can tell you fairly precisely how long a job will take -- "that'll be between 50 and 52.5 hours".

I always admire this because it's not that way with web design, at least with me. Why? Well, precisely how long will it take for the muse to hit over a new logo, how long to implement it, how long to polish it? Could be fifteen minutes; could be days.

We generally ask for 50% up front, 25% when the design layout is approved, and 25% when the site is completed and approved but before launch. This skips most of the "can't get paid" syndrome.

The question of what potential clients to decline is a good one. We turn down more than we take.

One of my favorite types of clients (if they come in types at all) is the one who is highly able himself, has worked to build what he has, is not afraid of work, and knows the value of what he does. By extension, then, he'll value your work, your time, your expertise and, again, that it's worth something. These are gold.

Edited by DianeV, 31 January 2004 - 06:28 AM.

[mcanerin]

Actually, that reminds me of a fun tactic.

If you know usually how long something will take: lets say 1 week - be done by monday - then you add a bit and then add an artificially precise time.

For example, you know you will be done by monday. So you quote Wednesday at 2:30 PM mountain Standard Time.

Not only does this help give the customer confidence and help prevent them from attempting to "feature creep" you (if they do, you point out the time guarantee is off), but it also gives you an incentive to make sure you don't take too long. If you are done early, often you find you are able to take a second look and correct any mistakes that perhaps you wouldn't have noticed before.

Ian