Do you rush clients for their work?

7 replies
Assuming for websites, if it's been dragging for a while after the client paid up and the designs shown to him waiting for approval to be coded, if he takes weeks without a reply, or says something like "i'll get back to you tomorrow", do you guys usually make a habit of 'rushing' them or reminding them (especially at times they've been reminded at least once before)?
#clients #rush #work
  • Profile picture of the author misc92
    I read several cases here were people got undervalued for delivering the final product too fast and got better results when they waited 2-3 weeks before delivering said final website - got valued better by the client (even if they had finished said site in a few days)


    i know thats not what u asked but felt like dropping this here
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  • Profile picture of the author Unisons
    Think you got me wrong.

    I'm waiting for my client's approval, changes, thoughts etc. But they aren't getting back to me.
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    • Profile picture of the author misc92
      Originally Posted by Unisons View Post

      Think you got me wrong.

      I'm waiting for my client's approval, changes, thoughts etc. But they aren't getting back to me.
      I think u got me wrong. I know thats not what u asked. I just felt like posting it here.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jute
    Hi Unisons,

    I normally remind them every 2 months with a simple email or sms...

    Normally they make up their mind the second time... if not then I would contact them and say something in the lines with "I sent you the work with the changes that you wanted and I am waiting for your approval, If I do not hear from you again before xx date then I will take that as an ok and will see the product as done and delivered".

    I have one customer that has taken 8 months and when he finally came around I told him that right now I do not have the time so I will work on your (his) project inbetween other gigs, I had set a side time when we started working together but now I have set time a side for my other current projects, and he said that it's ok since it's his fault for taking so long.....

    What I have found is that if a customer buys something from me, for example a website design then I always collect a minimum of 50% of the total cost upfront because it covers my costs and if they pay they are more likely to supply the stuff that you need to get started. If not charging anything they are more kind of .... NO hurry..... HakkkuuunnnaMatata.... and that is super frustrating.

    Cheers

    Good luck with your customer.
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  • Profile picture of the author hayfj2
    Remind him of your written agreement.

    If you haven't agreed the ground rules, modus operandi, roles, responsibilities, and CONSEQUENCES in writing this time, you can bet you will discuss them in detail with your next client and get them into the agreement.

    If you had, you could have politely pointed out that in your agreement, requests for information, copy, pictures etc should be completed within say 48hrs, or if they fail to get back to you with the necessary information, they will.....


    Otherwise, call them, and remind them that their delay in responding is affecting the project, and whilst you want to help and support them, you are very conscious that them not supplying you is affecting delivery, and what did they want you to do?

    Hope that helps.


    Fraser
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I just do a mock up using stock photo's, and tell them the first draft is DONE.... they will come review it faster and give you feedback. Also, you should be getting everything you need on the sales appointment itself. I use to let stuff hang for months, now I get some key points from them about their business and advise them to let me do the content and tell them I will take care of that and they can review it and ask for changes if they want.

    If they dont have the pics and graphics handy in the sales meeting, then I tell them "I will go ahead and put up some stock photo's for you in the meanwhile...".

    Otherwise, if someone has paid, and it's their fault and they have a half finished site up for six months... You cant worry about that, it's not on you.

    I just move on and go make another sale....and wait till they finally come around, without much thought on the subject.

    You cant let them inhibit you from moving forward...

    Again, you dont have to dump them, just give them some content, stock photos...upload it, and let their site sit half finished until they call in to do their part.

    "We need to finish your site , please call me" isnt as powerful as "Hey! Your site is finished! Check it out online and call me back to let me know of any tweaks you may want...".

    Not taking the reigns on that kind of stuff will seriously hold you up mentally, feeling you cant move forward because something is unfinished... No need for that

    You may get a call within a month for a couple of tweaks after they finally view the site... You may even tell them that since its been so long you have to charge for it....then break the tension , be the good guy , give them a break by making an exception, and earn some customer loyalty because of it. Oblige them!

    You have to learn to leverage stuff like that. Lemons to Lemonade.

    Anyone who makes it as an entrepreneur is also a pro lemonade maker!

    -John
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  • Profile picture of the author Unisons
    Actually current situation is more like
    "Everything looks good, I'll check back again and let you know tomorrow"

    That's after a reminder already.

    LOVE that loyalty statement John!
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