What should you do when you fail to deliver?

14 replies
I had a project, and its deadline was Sep 15. I couldn't finish it, and am confused about what to do now. I'm thinking I will send the project to the client in a while whilst offering him an added bonus, or should I just sacrifice the entire payment? It wasn't a big project, a $25 deal. Any suggestions?
#deliver #fail
  • Profile picture of the author Fredbou
    Originally Posted by Raindance View Post

    I had a project, and its deadline was Sep 15. I couldn't finish it, and am confused about what to do now. I'm thinking I will send the project to the client in a while whilst offering him an added bonus, or should I just sacrifice the entire payment? It wasn't a big project, a $25 deal. Any suggestions?
    Contact the client a.s.a.p and apologize, and yes, offer him a bonus. I would offer not to charge the $25. Client will love you for that and give you more work.

    Don't put off the contact and apology. Clients get angry when not contacted, not when late.
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    • Profile picture of the author PCH
      Definitely maintain contact and offer him a deal that he couldn't be anything but delighted with.

      Do that, and he'll soon forget the pain of this first experience and will be a customers long term. Contact and honest are critical though.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stefan Shields
    Give him a reason to keep you on, complete the job and in the future try to motivate yourself to get things done.

    I and many people on this forum have trouble motivating themselves to work hard.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brendon Zahrndt
    Own up to it and ask that client how she or he would like to proceed.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Harris
      Hey Raindance,

      Contact your client.

      Most people's lives are pretty hectic nowadays,
      so by contacting your client, you open up the opportunity
      to set a new date of completion.

      Make him an some sort of an offer to compensate the delay
      on his order.

      Even if you take a loss this time, you will show him "good-will"
      and that could be beneficial to you in the future.

      By not contacting your client you will, more than likely
      loose any future work from him and referrals they may possibly send your way.

      Also remember this experience next client and set your deadline for completion out further.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by Brendon Zahrndt View Post

        Own up to it and ask that client how she or he would like to proceed.
        This. Exactly. ASAFP.
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  • Profile picture of the author JeniferStarr
    Just apologize with no excuses. You could offer a free article or discount on a future job if your client is unhappy. If you deliver high quality work, your client will be more likely to overlook the tardiness. Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author superflay
      I think the best approach for this particular situation is to explain the situation (why you didn't deliver the work, unplanned emergency, overloading with orders etc) If you are running the whole show and you don't have any help for the support than it should be understandable that things come up that can delay the delivery date.

      Anyway, make sure that this will not happen with another client, in that case better set longer delivery dates just to be on the safe side.

      Everyone loves bonuses so for this one shower him/her in extras
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  • Profile picture of the author CyberAlien
    I'd just explain to them what happened and let them decide if they want you to continue. And be completely honest with them, don't use the same stupid excuses that everyone else uses about how they lost electricity or a family member died (unless that's what actually happened). If they don't want you to continue, just refund the money because they may use you again in the future.
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  • Profile picture of the author Greenville
    $25 or $2,500 makes no difference, you do not want to lose your reputation. If you promised to do a job, do it, even with the delay.

    I gave a job to do for $50 and it should have been finished two weeks ago. The seller told me there would be late and I understood the situation. I prefer to receive a quality product later that having one sloppy now.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Jericho
    Banned
    Just be honest, Tell him you've had issued, and It won't be finished in Time. Ask for Extra Time, Or Compromise with the buyer and Give a Partial Refund Or Full Refund.
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  • Profile picture of the author J. P.
    Raindance,

    It's been 13 hours since you started this thread. My question to you, have you responded to your client yet? If you haven't, do it right NOW. I'm sure they are well aware that you are late. You don't want to get a bad reputation.

    J.P.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raindance
    Thanks for your responses, guys. I contacted him some 30 mins ago, and gave him an additional bonus offer. The guy replied saying that it won't be necessary, and he gave me time till the end of the month. Some folks are such gentlemen. Now, I have such great regret for not delivering at the right time itself especially when the client is so tolerant.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Good job, Raindance.

      To all...

      Any guess on the over/under number for replies to just the OP or even just the headline now that the situation is resolved?
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