Re: FN-FORUM: am i being too soft or harsh?

date posted 1st June 2006 11:25

I totally agree. Taking down a site should be the absolute last resort,
and only then in the event of non payment.
But then again, when the client takes their business elsewhere, they
might just come my way!

Lee.

Ray McGinty wrote:
>
> On 1 Jun 2006, at 11:59, Thomas Campbell wrote:
>
>> bring up the subject of the bill for these alterations in your next
>> conversation with the client. If they say their not paying, take the
>> site down until they do.
>>
>> Harsh, no bullshite, straight to the point
>
> Bad advice, in my opinion.
>
> This kind of task is always an irritation, but doing it quickly and
> without a hint of a complaint is the kind of thing that gets you a
> reputation for being helpful and co-operative. And we all know that
> there's no other form of marketing more effective than word of mouth.
> If it is really only taking a minute or two each time, I'd keep doing
> it. Perhaps save up a few requests and do them al together in a bunch
> - more efficient that way.
>
> If your judgement tells you that this client is beginning to take the
> p*ss, have a friendly chat with them and bring up the subject of a
> maintenance contract perhaps for a fixed number of hours per month,
> anything over to be charged at your hourly rate.
>
> Don't whatever you do take their site down unless you want to lose
> them, and all their business contacts as potential clients forever!
>
> Best regards,
>
> Ray
>
> ------------------------------
> Ray McGinty Information Design
>
> Specialising in web application development,
> e-commerce and design for print.
>
> http://www.rmid.co.uk
>
> Listed on the North East England Service Provider Register
>
>