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Refund or no refund?

by Eduard Stinga
12 replies
I got a client who wanted to use my services. For this, he made a 50% upfront deposit. That was more than one month ago. I finished the first phase of the project, which lets say is worth ~25% of the whole project and sent it to him to review it. A week after that, I e-mail him again asking if he had TIME to review it and he said not yet, but he'll do it in the following 2-3 days.

It's been a month since I last heard from him. Sent him several e-mails on 2 of his e-mail addresses and nothing.

Thing is, in case he comes back next month saying let's continue the project, I don't really want to work with such clients that answer after 1 month+.

On the other hand, I also did part of the work, so I wouldn't really refund his money (at least not all). It wasn't really that much or too little, but somewhere in the middle, $100-$200 range.

So what should I do? Just refund all his money now, refund only part of his money now or just keep the money hoping I'll never hear back from him?

Cheers,
-Eduard
#refund
  • Profile picture of the author Clyde
    Keep the money and send him an email giving him an ultimatum.

    It's his fault for not replying to your e-mails.
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  • Profile picture of the author Newbieee
    if at this point u are still willing to continue then give him a deadline.

    at least its clearly in black and white. [in email]

    "Hi have not heard from you since. i have other projects comin in and thus i have commitments, pls reply to this mail if you are still interested.

    I will leave our project open for the next 3 days. after which our deal will be closed. "

    dont mention refund if not it will naturally be on his mind. just ask him if he wanted to continue.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I would not contact him further. You've contacted him numerous times. The client may be in a position that he is not able to continue the project at this time. I'd let it go and wait to hear from him. If at a later date, he contacts you with feedback and the rest of the money for the project, I'd complete it, since he already has 50% invested in it.
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  • Profile picture of the author HappyDental
    Hi Eduard,

    Would you be able to create a video for my site
    albireadintilorinfo.ro

    I promose I respond to emails.
    office at happydental dot ro
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  • Profile picture of the author Tor86
    He may have fallen ill, or worse, died!
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    • Profile picture of the author Newbieee
      Originally Posted by Tor86 View Post

      He may have fallen ill, or worse, died!
      hahah u nv know.

      its a possibility.
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      Pain is a perception, so is defeat & happiness!
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    • Profile picture of the author Eduard Stinga
      Originally Posted by Tor86 View Post

      He may have fallen ill, or worse, died!
      I thought that could happen, as a worst case scenario. But then, there's no need to refund the $ since there's nobody able to log-in into his PayPal account. (that's just a sick argument )

      Anyway, guess I'll just keep the $ for now and if I ever hear back from him, I'll refund him only a part of it and cancel the project.

      It's a pity, he seemed to be a big client though :/

      Thanks guys for your opinions, it's great to see what others think as well
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      • Profile picture of the author Newbieee
        Originally Posted by Eduard Stinga View Post

        I thought that could happen, as a worst case scenario. But then, there's no need to refund the $ since there's nobody able to log-in into his PayPal account. (that's just a sick argument )
        there is no way to find out so holding on to the $ is the normal thing to do, there is nothing wrong with that, u cant just refund everyone who goes AWOL. lol.

        but of cos if u say it that way then yes its a sick argument.
        but not refunding is not being sick. =)
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  • Profile picture of the author Bballer1
    Keep the 25% since you've already finished that much and return the rest. This would make it easier for you and your client to accept when you decline to continue the project. I believe it's the ethical thing to do and would keep you in good terms with your client.
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  • Profile picture of the author supershoesclub
    If there is call number of the client, it will be wasier to contact, if not, just hold it on and wait for the response without refund.Thus, it will be better.
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  • Profile picture of the author DanielDeus
    Unless he is chasing you for a refund, why worry about it?

    If he does, at least then he is in communication with you.

    If you have done part of the work then you are totally justified in keeping the 50% deposit money

    What is a deposit for?

    It is invariably to make sure that you get something upfront in case things like this happen.

    Keep it and leave it at that, until (if) he ever contacts you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ga RedNeck
    I would also keep the money and wait on him.
    And IF he does show up one day get something signed that he has todo so and so
    Are he loses A % OF his investment for wasting your time and the rest will be refunded.

    Then do like lawyers etc wait say 10 years to send it
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