Persuading clients to go with the deadline

christftw · 09-09-2009, 08:32 PM

I have a question and it most likely varies a little from niche-to-niche, but in general is how I'd like your opinions.

When you're trying to sell a service that's tedious and to do your best, you really need to have a lengthy timespan for working on it, but a client of yours gets impatient and wants it sooner or the deals off, what do you think the best way to persuade them to wait would be?

1. Pay more so you don't have to take on more workload and can thus put more time into theirs

2. Pay less with the no refunds disclaimer saying, "you get what you pay for and if you're going to limit the amount of time I can work on this, there are no guarantees other than a finished product"

3. Other

The goal is to get the full price in return for your work. And no, scrambling to get it done isn't possible. I'm inclined to go with #2, with #1 as a back up in case it isn't an option on their part to not have it by X date (and not them just being impatient).

Thanks,
Jesse

Rich Creal · 09-09-2009, 09:36 PM

If the ability to get the work done on the client's deadline isn't possible, simply inform them so. Otherwise, you can "expedite" the work for an additional fee. UPS will send your package ground or you can send it overnight for a premium. Why is your service any different?

Shane F · 09-09-2009, 09:53 PM

Jesse, I would be very hestitant to go with option #2. The last thing you want is an unsatisfied customer. Even if you tell them, no guarantees, and should the work be sub-par, they will be upset. Don't risk refund demands and a customer who will tell others about the bad work you did.

If you haven't taken money from them yet for this project your only option is to tell them you can't take the project. Think long term. A customer like this likely won't be.

Try not to sacrifice quality for demands from customers. Sometimes when you tell them the reason why, in your situation, the work will not be to your standards, they will calm down and realize that it is in their best interests as well to work with someone who actually cares about the product they put out.

Good luck, Shane

09-09-2009, 09:53 PM	#3
Shane F Shane Farrell War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 290 Thanks: 67 Thanked 64 Times in 39 Posts	Re: Persuading clients to go with the deadline Jesse, I would be very hestitant to go with option #2. The last thing you want is an unsatisfied customer. Even if you tell them, no guarantees, and should the work be sub-par, they will be upset. Don't risk refund demands and a customer who will tell others about the bad work you did. If you haven't taken money from them yet for this project your only option is to tell them you can't take the project. Think long term. A customer like this likely won't be. Try not to sacrifice quality for demands from customers. Sometimes when you tell them the reason why, in your situation, the work will not be to your standards, they will calm down and realize that it is in their best interests as well to work with someone who actually cares about the product they put out. Good luck, Shane
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09-09-2009, 08:32 PM	#1
christftw Jesse Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 33 Thanks: 63 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Persuading clients to go with the deadline I have a question and it most likely varies a little from niche-to-niche, but in general is how I'd like your opinions. When you're trying to sell a service that's tedious and to do your best, you really need to have a lengthy timespan for working on it, but a client of yours gets impatient and wants it sooner or the deals off, what do you think the best way to persuade them to wait would be? 1. Pay more so you don't have to take on more workload and can thus put more time into theirs 2. Pay less with the no refunds disclaimer saying, "you get what you pay for and if you're going to limit the amount of time I can work on this, there are no guarantees other than a finished product" 3. Other The goal is to get the full price in return for your work. And no, scrambling to get it done isn't possible. I'm inclined to go with #2, with #1 as a back up in case it isn't an option on their part to not have it by X date (and not them just being impatient). Thanks, Jesse

09-09-2009, 09:36 PM	#2
Rich Creal Active Warrior Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Persuading clients to go with the deadline If the ability to get the work done on the client's deadline isn't possible, simply inform them so. Otherwise, you can "expedite" the work for an additional fee. UPS will send your package ground or you can send it overnight for a premium. Why is your service any different?