So I spent an hour writing an article for nothing

by ongkal
49 replies
I am a part-time writer and have been in the business for almost a year now. Throughout my stint, I have had only one instance where my article was rejected by a client. The only instructions he gave were the keyword phrase and the density. The next day, he told me he wanted it completely revised and proceeded to tell me the complete details of the article he wanted. These details were not mentioned when he made the order.

Although I wasted time and effort writing that article, I charged it to experience and revised as he instructed.

Flash forward months later

So I just chatted with a guy who asked me to write a 300 word article. He gave me the points he wanted the article to have. I asked him whether he wanted the article in 1st person or 3rd person. He said 3rd.

So I wrote him an article with 2nd headings each relating to the points he mentioned. Double checked the article after writing, and sent it to him. He checked the article and made a few complaints:

1.) I did not write it in the outline he mentioned because as I understand, when he complained, he wanted it in bullet form. He never mentioned that in the instructions.

2.) He complained that I wrote a few things which I should not have written.(I wrote something about how some providers of the service he offered do not produce attractive results while some produce results that are worth more than what you pay for or something like that) I admit, I was a bit too honest and I acknowledge that I made this mistake.

3.) I reworded one of the points he made because his English was bad but the meaning remained the same and he insisted that it was different from what he wanted. It clearly had the same meaning.

4.) Lastly, he showed me an article which had the same level of writing as his expectations. He did not show me this when he made the order. The article was 3 pages long and he wanted an article that had the same 'soul' as that article had. The article was written in 1st person and was almost purely objective. It was also written with 2nd headings and not in bullet form.

I was angry but I remained professional and respectful and did not charge him for the articles.

why oh why? why do buyers make orders without giving clear instructions and when their order is delivered, they complain that it is not what they want when the provider only worked based on the given instructions.

sorry fellow warriors. I just wanted to rant. I was reminded that you really can never please everyone.
#article #hour #spent #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
    That is the benefit of owning a PLR store. When clients decide they want to change things up on me... I'll refund and keep the content for myself.

    I wouldn't have an issue trying to write in a manner of another article... but do not expect me to know how you want an article written by simply telling me word counts and keywords.

    Life is too damned short to put up with people like that.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rickmci
      Originally Posted by Doug Wakefield View Post

      Life is too damned short to put up with people like that.
      Yep. Just refund his money and sell the article to someone else. Customer are not always right, but you still need to be nice..
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Okay, a couple of points. 300 words is not an article. It might be a decent introductory paragraph, but article, no, not in the real world. It's no surprise you weren't able to meet all the objectives. You would have needed a lot more words to actually do that.

    It would seem that your client wasn't clear. But what have you learned? The lesson is, ask enough questions about the assignment before taking it on. Here's the problem: Lots of people have no idea what they want. They might know what they don't want but only discover that by seeing your work. As you continue as a writer you'll get better at asking the right stuff and screening out clients that don't get it.

    It appears you have talent as a writer. As the talent matures you'll naturally get better at 'reading the mind' of your client. You'll also get good at screening out clueless clients. Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author ongkal
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      Okay, a couple of points. 300 words is not an article. It might be a decent introductory paragraph, but article, no, not in the real world. It's no surprise you weren't able to meet all the objectives. You would have needed a lot more words to actually do that.

      It would seem that your client wasn't clear. But what have you learned? The lesson is, ask enough questions about the assignment before taking it on. Here's the problem: Lots of people have no idea what they want. They might know what they don't want but only discover that by seeing your work. As you continue as a writer you'll get better at asking the right stuff and screening out clients that don't get it.

      It appears you have talent as a writer. As the talent matures you'll naturally get better at 'reading the mind' of your client. You'll also get good at screening out clueless clients. Good luck.
      Yes, travlinguy

      Definitely realized that today. Maybe I was just too used to past dealings of other clients. I hastily accepted the order because he said he only needed one article and It was already 2 AM. I figured I could still do one article before going to bed.

      I also explained to him that I could not write in the level he expected with that 300 word limit and the number of points he wanted me to include.

      Thanks for the suggestions.
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      • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
        Colin's words are also gold here.

        I freelance on a part-time basis myself, and find that a simple "no" is a good answer. It also helps that this income is an added bonus, and not necessary to pay the bills. I can price higher and walk away from trouble without having to worry how the bills will get paid.

        When you are running a service there is a natural tendency for us to want to cater to everyone, but no matter how hard you try, this is not going to be possible. It is best to pass on any troublesome work before it has the chance to wear you down.
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        • Profile picture of the author bretski
          I agree... Colin's post is spot on.

          When I had my brick and mortar business I had occassion to "fire" a few clients. I'd put up with a certain amount of complaining but once they crossed the line or asked for a refund I would fire them; tell them that in the future their business was not welcome any longer.
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        • Profile picture of the author Robert Boduch
          All that you're lacking is real world, practical business experience.

          The best advice I can offer is to ask more questions right up front. The more details you can get from your clients -- the better. If you're not sure before you start - don't jump to it just yet. Get the answers you need beforehand. The more you know about what your client is expecting, the closer you can come to meeting those expectations.

          Sure, revisions and adjustments are often part of the game, at least on more expensive projects. But in many cases you can avoid lots of extra labour by gaining absolute clarity before you write.

          Don't let a couple of challenging encounters get you down.

          It's all experience. How you use it determines its value.

          Robert
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          • Profile picture of the author majay
            i totally agree with this--life is full of ups and downs.
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      • Profile picture of the author Wonderful Warrior
        Originally Posted by ongkal View Post

        I also explained to him that I could not write in the level he expected with that 300 word limit and the number of points he wanted me to include.
        I feel bad for saying this, but

        1. you probably should not have accepted the job if you didn't think you could deliver.

        2. great writers sometimes spend days on their articles.

        I feel like if you had taken your client seriously enough and spent enough time, you really would have been able to deliver what he wanted.

        You making comments like "well, it's 2a.m I can crank another one out" is probably making professionals on this forum cringe.
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        • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
          He accepted the job because the details were: keyword phrase x% density.

          Once that was delivered the client decided he didn't want it that way. I couldn't say that I wouldn't have assumed it was a simple SEO article either.

          Originally Posted by Wonderful Warrior View Post

          I feel bad for saying this, but

          1. you probably should not have accepted the job if you didn't think you could deliver.

          2. great writers sometimes spend days on their articles.

          I feel like if you had taken your client seriously enough and spent enough time, you really would have been able to deliver what he wanted.

          You making comments like "well, it's 2a.m I can crank another one out" is probably making professionals on this forum cringe.
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          • Profile picture of the author Wonderful Warrior
            Originally Posted by Doug Wakefield View Post

            He accepted the job because the details were: keyword phrase x% density.

            Once that was delivered the client decided he didn't want it that way. I couldn't say that I wouldn't have assumed it was a simple SEO article either.
            I believe that was the instructions for a different client......

            If you read the whole original post, the client gave specific instructions from the start.
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            • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
              You are right, Im getting mixed up on the story... read it yesterday and was thinking the whole of the story forgetting that there were two.

              There are still a few things to keep in mind.

              I wouldn't spend days on a 300 word "article." I could write one word a minute and still have it done in 5 hours. If there was a call for 300 words of content that needed days of consideration to write I would have to charge hundreds of dollars to make it worth my time. This is likely not the kind of money being delivered for the expectations in this case (assumptions based on the rant being in WF as opposed to a freelancer forum or blog where the assumption is working for higher rates.)

              There definitely was a communication issue involved... but there was also the classic bait-and-switch freebie action going on. Precisely why I started my rates where I did.
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        • Profile picture of the author ongkal
          Originally Posted by Wonderful Warrior View Post

          I feel bad for saying this, but

          1. you probably should not have accepted the job if you didn't think you could deliver.

          2. great writers sometimes spend days on their articles.

          I feel like if you had taken your client seriously enough and spent enough time, you really would have been able to deliver what he wanted.

          You making comments like "well, it's 2a.m I can crank another one out" is probably making professionals on this forum cringe.
          Well, he wanted a 300 word article finished ASAP and all major points were given so research was pretty much minimal. I believe anyone would have taken the assignment with those considerations.
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    • Profile picture of the author khut
      Along the lines of what travelingguy mentioned, I just ordered a logo from logonerds a few minutes ago and was impressed with the amount of questions they asked me about the logo before working on it.

      It seems like a great idea for any service oriented business, to have an in depth form to fill out before any work is started.
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    • Profile picture of the author la dominatrix
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      Okay The lesson is, ask enough questions about the assignment before taking it on. Here's the problem: Lots of people have no idea what they want. They might know what they don't want but only discover that by seeing your work. As you continue as a writer you'll get better at asking the right stuff and screening out clients that don't get it.

      It appears you have talent as a writer. As the talent matures you'll naturally get better at 'reading the mind' of your client. You'll also get good at screening out clueless clients. Good luck.
      Did you know what type of article he wanted? Did he want an article or technically the paragraph for a backlink? What type of article did he want, did he want traffic or to be appear to be an authority.
      If you do not have time to ask these questions for hte price your client is paying then they will give you **** every time
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      • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
        Originally Posted by la dominatrix View Post

        Did you know what type of article he wanted? Did he want an article or technically the paragraph for a backlink? What type of article did he want, did he want traffic or to be appear to be an authority.
        If you do not have time to ask these questions for hte price your client is paying then they will give you **** every time
        I would immediately vote down wanting to be an authority. Gonna take you more than 300 words to persuade anyone that you know the subject.

        300 word articles were only good for one thing... putting your link on the same page as the title.
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        • Profile picture of the author Peggy Baron
          Well it does sound like you asked some questions and got feedback and he still was not happy, so I'm thinking you could never have made him happy no matter what. He was expecting a miracle in 300 words.

          It's a good thing these types of customers are few and far between!

          Peggy
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        • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
          Originally Posted by Doug Wakefield View Post

          I would immediately vote down wanting to be an authority. Gonna take you more than 300 words to persuade anyone that you know the subject.

          300 word articles were only good for one thing... putting your link on the same page as the title.
          Doug,

          I would agree with this myself. I often have a hard time keeping my emails under 500 words, and purposely limit myself when I'm writing replies on the forum. 300 words is a good summary of a problem, nothing more. Unless it is a blog post in a series, of course. Though, it doesn't sound like it in this case.

          I have noticed a remarkable connection between the price paid and the reality of the clients expectations. My theory is, to be able to afford you at a higher rate, they must have some business sense.

          I love your plan for unwanted articles. The PLR solution is genius in my opinion. It also makes it much easier to tell a client when they are crossing the line.

          Cheers,
          Colin Palfrey
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          • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
            The PLR solution is extra genius when you realize that you always have a client to work for. I NEVER have lean times.

            Well, when I post on here too often...
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            • Profile picture of the author GrowTraffic
              I always try and ask as many questions that start with Where, What, Why, When, How, Who, Which as I can think of - creative brief sheets are good but clients always forget things then have massive expectations of what can be achieved.
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              • Profile picture of the author celente
                Originally Posted by GrowTraffic View Post

                I always try and ask as many questions that start with Where, What, Why, When, How, Who, Which as I can think of - creative brief sheets are good but clients always forget things then have massive expectations of what can be achieved.
                Wow, did my leaked secrets get out.

                This is the best way to entice and answer the questions rattling around in the mind of your prospect.

                Although you want to entice them and make them visit your site. So I use curiosity in headline and also resources link.
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
    It sounds like you should have told him to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

    I have found that one of the most important skills as a writer is being able to identify time wasters, early on. Identify them, refund them and move on!

    I'm not convinced that your level of professionalism is maintainable. IMO you need to learn to say "NO." I have found that it is one of the most powerful words in the English language, and great for changing attitudes. There will always be someone just waiting to wast your time, if you let them.

    For your own sanity I suggest you start telling people what you really think of them. I do it all the time and you would be amazed the amount of times that clients will just agree and apologize.

    Cheers,
    Colin Palfrey
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    • Profile picture of the author ongkal
      Originally Posted by Colin Palfrey View Post

      It sounds like you should have told him to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

      I have found that one of the most important skills as a writer is being able to identify time wasters, early on. Identify them, refund them and move on!

      I'm not convinced that your level of professionalism is maintainable. IMO you need to learn to say "NO." I have found that it is one of the most powerful words in the English language, and great for changing attitudes. There will always be someone just waiting to wast your time, if you let them.

      For your own sanity I suggest you start telling people what you really think of them. I do it all the time and you would be amazed the amount of times that clients will just agree and apologize.

      Cheers,
      Colin Palfrey
      In all honesty, I really was about to snap, but I controlled myself. lol. I guess I really should have told him what I needed to say. Oh well. At least I know better now.
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    • Profile picture of the author Apollo-Articles
      Does anyone know where I can sell articles which I've sent refunds for?

      Sam

      Originally Posted by Colin Palfrey View Post

      It sounds like you should have told him to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

      I have found that one of the most important skills as a writer is being able to identify time wasters, early on. Identify them, refund them and move on!

      I'm not convinced that your level of professionalism is maintainable. IMO you need to learn to say "NO." I have found that it is one of the most powerful words in the English language, and great for changing attitudes. There will always be someone just waiting to wast your time, if you let them.

      For your own sanity I suggest you start telling people what you really think of them. I do it all the time and you would be amazed the amount of times that clients will just agree and apologize.

      Cheers,
      Colin Palfrey
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    Did he pay more than $0.50/100 words? I woudnt be surprised if he would also be one of those extremely cheap customers. The cheaper, the sillier their expectactions.
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    • Profile picture of the author bretski
      Originally Posted by GeorgR. View Post

      Did he pay more than $0.50/100 words? I woudnt be surprised if he would also be one of those extremely cheap customers. The cheaper, the sillier their expectactions.
      Agreed... a 300 word article? Personally, I'd have a difficult time creating a 300 word article that I felt had any depth. For me, that's like 3 paragraphs. And he want you to match the "soul" of a lengthy article? And I wish I could make chicks fall in love with my after a peck on the cheek but that ain't gonna happen!
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    • Profile picture of the author ladywriter
      Originally Posted by GeorgR. View Post

      Did he pay more than $0.50/100 words? I woudnt be surprised if he would also be one of those extremely cheap customers. The cheaper, the sillier their expectactions.
      I've noticed this as well. I used to do work for people making a range of money, and the people who paid the least always had the most to say. It's because their money means more to them, which is understandable, but it's not fun to deal with.
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  • Profile picture of the author wadeinni
    Ongcal contrary to what many may think, the customer is not always right, especially in fields that require some level of creative thinking such as writing. I personally have learned to say NO to troublesome clients. The amount of time spent on creating written work from vague instructions is not worth it. As time goes by you will learn that even the most professional of clients are going to want more than they paid for or originally stipulated. Some become extremely overbearing to the point where you have no choice but to refund their payment, recommend someone else and move on to other clients. In your case you had short and incomplete instructions for a 300 word article which is not rich content by any means. But this is a learning experience, the majority of your clients will generally have better feedback and allow you more creative space to create better writing assignments. Good luck my friend :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Benjamin
    PROBLEM #1: Not Asking A LOT Of Questions - It's possible you're not
    asking enough of them. 1 or 2 don't count. If you are. Good. Don't be
    afraid to ask a whole lot more. I don't care frustrated they get at first,
    they'll thank you in the end when you finish the job.

    PROBLEM #1: Not Taking On A "Leadership" Role - If you want to have
    a smooth and fun experience and deal with NONE of those typical client
    /writer issues, step up and take an active approach in a leadership role.

    Crazy idea, right? Besides, THEY are the ones paying YOU to do them a
    service so, shouldn't YOU be the one who shuts up and listens to them?

    Yes...and "No".

    Many clients have an "idea" of what they want, but what they're REALLY
    looking for is a consultant. Someone who can give them a kick in the right
    direction and who's not afraid to suggest ideas to improve their business.

    ...guiding a customer to make the right decision for him or her IS what I
    found MOST clients wanted, and if you step up to the role you get more
    respect without even asking for it.

    Be MORE than just a writer. Step up and BE a consultant who so happens
    to write.


    "But, I'm just a writer. What do I know about marketing?" Well, if most of
    your clients are marketers, it would be in YOUR best interest to learn more
    about the business so you FEEL more comfortable giving them advice.

    As far as that person is concerned, you're just some random person who
    he feels he can abuse because you "let him". Getting frustrated only makes
    it worst.

    In conclusion,

    I understand what it feels like to deal with THAT kind of customer, and I
    made a decision NOT to deal with those customers when I charged a lot
    more for my services and took it upon myself to learn and take action on
    what my clients were doing.

    It's a state-of-mind that takes guts to go after, because it's easier to be
    "just the writer", but if you have a vision to be something more -- those
    issues you face will NEVER materialize...

    and I say this with love and with tons of personal experience.
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  • Profile picture of the author ongkal
    Thank you for your suggestions, guys

    I created a pretty long questionnaire just now and I intend to use this for all my clients who want me to write for them.

    I will also take on a more consultant role to let them know that I know what Im doing.

    It really was frustrating but nevertheless I am still glad it happened because I learned something important about being a writer and dealing with clients.

    Thank you again, warriors. All your tips mean a lot.
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  • Profile picture of the author drmani
    Originally Posted by ongkal View Post

    I am a part-time writer and have been in the business for almost a year now...
    why oh why? why do buyers make orders without giving clear instructions and when their order is delivered, they complain that it is not what they want when the provider only worked based on the given instructions.
    What's important, though, is what YOU learned from the experience!
    * Have you put up an FAQ page for your writing clients to review before they order from you next time?

    * Have you created a template email to go out to every new client, listing the points you want covered before you'll start writing for them?

    * Have you put up a 'policy' statement indicating that you get paid at least 50% (preferably 100%) upfront before you will start writing their articles?

    * Have you documented your 'refund policy' and 'rewrite policy' to clearly indicate what the terms of service are - so you can point new clients to it?

    * Have you thought about whether you want to serve this kind of market/client, or change? (If it's happening often, maybe you should think about it)
    Life often hands out lemons.

    Smart marketers use it to make lemonade

    Go, DO something about what happened!

    All success
    Dr.Mani
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    • Profile picture of the author drmani
      Originally Posted by Colin Palfrey View Post

      It sounds like you should have told him to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

      Colin Palfrey
      Originally Posted by Doug Wakefield View Post

      Colin's words are also gold here.
      Originally Posted by bretski View Post

      I agree... Colin's post is spot on.
      Bad idea.

      (Good for the nerves and feelings, but still bad idea 'business-wise' )

      Fire these clients, by all means.

      But don't be rude about it. And worse, don't talk about it in public.

      No one likes being trashed - esp. in a public forum. Whenever I see
      someone do that to a cash-paying customer, or someone endorsing that
      behavior, I make a mental note to be wary about spending money with
      that person!

      In a closed-community like the IM niche, you don't want the wrong kind
      of 'word of mouth' spreading about your service.

      Personally, I would chalk it up to experience, eat the cost, decide
      to not do business with that client in the future, change my policy
      and terms of service statements, and review how well that works with
      the next client.

      Just my 2 cents

      All success
      Dr.Mani
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      • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
        Dr. Mani,

        You have taken what I said the wrong way.

        I didn't say that he should be rude to his customers, or at least I didn't mean it that way.

        I certainly never said anything about having a public rant about a customer.

        All I said was that he should tell his customers when they are in the wrong. There is no need to be rude but there is always a need to be firm.

        As to how his customers take the news that they are being demanding, that is their problem. Why should he be someones doormat just because they think they can give him a days pay, then pressure him into a weeks work?

        I still say that "No," is a word he would have been better off using early on. Will customers be upset? Actually they won't.

        When has being quiet and meek ever helped anyone. In business and life you need clear lines that people can't cross. You do not need to be rude to enforce those lines, but you certainly need to be definite.

        Cheers,
        Colin Palfrey

        Originally Posted by drmani View Post

        Bad idea.

        (Good for the nerves and feelings, but still bad idea 'business-wise' )

        Fire these clients, by all means.

        But don't be rude about it. And worse, don't talk about it in public.

        No one likes being trashed - esp. in a public forum. Whenever I see
        someone do that to a cash-paying customer, or someone endorsing that
        behavior, I make a mental note to be wary about spending money with
        that person!

        In a closed-community like the IM niche, you don't want the wrong kind
        of 'word of mouth' spreading about your service.

        Personally, I would chalk it up to experience, eat the cost, decide
        to not do business with that client in the future, change my policy
        and terms of service statements, and review how well that works with
        the next client.

        Just my 2 cents

        All success
        Dr.Mani
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    • Profile picture of the author theemperor
      I worked for a company once (different industry) that played a game of cat-and-mouse with such customers, trying to charge them extra in other areas to make up for it. But if it were me, I'd just sack the client. There is so much demand for writing services you don't need to worry about this guy. Focus on the 20% if customers you make you 80% of your money without sucking your time up like this one, and concentrate on getting more business from then.
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    • Profile picture of the author ongkal
      Originally Posted by drmani View Post

      What's important, though, is what YOU learned from the experience!
      * Have you put up an FAQ page for your writing clients to review before they order from you next time?

      * Have you created a template email to go out to every new client, listing the points you want covered before you'll start writing for them?

      * Have you put up a 'policy' statement indicating that you get paid at least 50% (preferably 100%) upfront before you will start writing their articles?

      * Have you documented your 'refund policy' and 'rewrite policy' to clearly indicate what the terms of service are - so you can point new clients to it?

      * Have you thought about whether you want to serve this kind of market/client, or change? (If it's happening often, maybe you should think about it)
      Life often hands out lemons.

      Smart marketers use it to make lemonade

      Go, DO something about what happened!

      All success
      Dr.Mani
      Thanks, doc. those suggestions will help me improve my business.
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  • Profile picture of the author abbesnwk
    Banned
    Have you thought to ask each of them specific details?
    My advice is to try to obtain more info from a buyer before start writing



    Originally Posted by ongkal View Post

    I am a part-time writer and have been in the business for almost a year now. Throughout my stint, I have had only one instance where my article was rejected by a client. The only instructions he gave were the keyword phrase and the density. The next day, he told me he wanted it completely revised and proceeded to tell me the complete details of the article he wanted. These details were not mentioned when he made the order.

    Although I wasted time and effort writing that article, I charged it to experience and revised as he instructed.

    Flash forward months later

    So I just chatted with a guy who asked me to write a 300 word article. He gave me the points he wanted the article to have. I asked him whether he wanted the article in 1st person or 3rd person. He said 3rd.

    So I wrote him an article with 2nd headings each relating to the points he mentioned. Double checked the article after writing, and sent it to him. He checked the article and made a few complaints:

    1.) I did not write it in the outline he mentioned because as I understand, when he complained, he wanted it in bullet form. He never mentioned that in the instructions.

    2.) He complained that I wrote a few things which I should not have written.(I wrote something about how some providers of the service he offered do not produce attractive results while some produce results that are worth more than what you pay for or something like that) I admit, I was a bit too honest and I acknowledge that I made this mistake.

    3.) I reworded one of the points he made because his English was bad but the meaning remained the same and he insisted that it was different from what he wanted. It clearly had the same meaning.

    4.) Lastly, he showed me an article which had the same level of writing as his expectations. He did not show me this when he made the order. The article was 3 pages long and he wanted an article that had the same 'soul' as that article had. The article was written in 1st person and was almost purely objective. It was also written with 2nd headings and not in bullet form.

    I was angry but I remained professional and respectful and did not charge him for the articles.

    why oh why? why do buyers make orders without giving clear instructions and when their order is delivered, they complain that it is not what they want when the provider only worked based on the given instructions.

    sorry fellow warriors. I just wanted to rant. I was reminded that you really can never please everyone.
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    • Profile picture of the author ongkal
      Originally Posted by ideaplans View Post

      Have you thought to ask each of them specific details?
      My advice is to try to obtain more info from a buyer before start writing
      I actually did not think I needed to. I just asked him for the keyword phrase and the density because he gave me a list of the points he wanted written and I figured for a 300-word article, where could I go wrong? Partly my mistake in not asking for more details but I still feel robbed.
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  • Profile picture of the author edv
    If you use 3rd party website for the payment use the website's options available to protect yourself. If you consider yourself as a beginner give them free articles. Try to build your client database and ask for an advanced payments if possible.

    There will always be people that know only two things:
    A) They want an article
    B) They don't want to do the work by themselves

    But they do not know what exactly do they want. ... And they will always have a complaint. I guess most of them are rich kids paying for homework.
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    • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
      Originally Posted by edv View Post

      If you use 3rd party website for the payment use the website's options available to protect yourself. If you consider yourself as a beginner give them free articles. Try to build your client database and ask for an advanced payments if possible.

      There will always be people that know only two things:
      A) They want an article
      B) They don't want to do the work by themselves

      But they do not know what exactly do they want. ... And they will always have a complaint. I guess most of them are rich kids paying for homework.
      Edv,

      This isn't about most customers. Most customers are brilliant and work with you, want you to create a good article or ebook for them, are happy with what they receive.

      This is about that one in a thousand client, that just can't help pushing to see how much they can get. If they are right to ask for alterations then I don't think anyone has a complaint about that.

      The majority aren't rich kids, they are professional business people. The majority are gold, but you do need boundaries just in case.

      Cheers,
      Colin Palfrey
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      I write articles and eBooks - PM me for details!
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  • Profile picture of the author Adie
    Article writing is a tough job. There is no perfect article for a customer who don't know what he really want.. Sometimes, it's better to sell something that does not require customer service...
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  • Profile picture of the author Jordan Kovats
    Hopefully from this you will learn that sometimes it is OK to fire clients. Back to the 80/20 rule. Sometimes 20% of your clients can take up 80 % of your time. Ask yourself if that time they are wasting of yours, could be better spent on finding new clients, or even for yourself.
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    • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
      True, but the 80/20 principal works both ways.

      80% of potential problems can be avoided with 20% extra work. I would say that this ratio is actually closer to the 90/10 than 80/20, but taking a few minutes to find out the specifics could have avoided a lot of problems.

      For instance, he would have had the necessary details to perform the job to the client's wishes... and had the ability to either turn down the work before it was done or get involved knowing it would be difficult to deliver.

      Originally Posted by theseoguys View Post

      Hopefully from this you will learn that sometimes it is OK to fire clients. Back to the 80/20 rule. Sometimes 20% of your clients can take up 80 % of your time. Ask yourself if that time they are wasting of yours, could be better spent on finding new clients, or even for yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tiptopcat
    I like the idea of creating a little checklist that you can forward to potential clients. Simple questions like whether they want bullet points or sub headings included, should it be written in the first or third person, can you include negative points etc - could be helpful to both sides. The provision of a sample piece of work from them would also be great use.

    At least you can be sure that you asked all the relevant question before the work was started.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ofthemix
    And this is why I don't write for other people.

    It's amazing how sometimes a client can give you a description for the article that they want written . . . that is every bit as long as the article that they want written. In the time that it takes them to tell you what they want, they could have written the article themselves.
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  • Profile picture of the author wqs2946
    For me, I don't like to spend much time on writing article as I knew myself is not a good writer! I like to write article but just I don't have a proper skills on it and so I give it up!
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  • Profile picture of the author Adie
    Just today I refunded one of my new customers after reading his requirement. He wanted me to write a "How to" article and said the process must be original and based on my own experience...LOL, I immediately replied back to him and told him I can't spend my time experiencing it first then writing the steps...
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    • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
      Originally Posted by Adie View Post

      Just today I refunded one of my new customers after reading his requirement. He wanted me to write a "How to" article and said the process must be original and based on my own experience...LOL, I immediately replied back to him and told him I can't spend my time experiencing it first then writing the steps...
      Adie,

      You missed out on that one, they can be great fun, provided the client is willing to pay for the research time.

      I have built many strange things for research purposes: including a crude flying machine (think big kite), and even a small boat.

      I even blew my eye-brows off, trying to build a hydrogen generator for one client.
      All in the name of research.

      You do need to charge significantly more than just a per-word rate for specialized projects, though.

      Cheers,
      Colin Palfrey
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      I write articles and eBooks - PM me for details!
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