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RE: FN-FORUM: Angry Pickle
date posted 9th November 2007 15:34
Yes, I think we all had instances where we start feeling like we want
pull our client's hair out!
Try charging him an additional fee if he wants something at the last
minute plus charge him additional fees should he wish to change
something post sign off stage.
Additional costs charged to him will make him realise he has to manage
his time properly and get briefs to you within a feasible time period.
You managed to do his deadlines at his last minute request, so he will
keep doing it. Charging an additional cost to this will make him realise
he will have to give his brief to you earlier.=20
Adding an additional cost for late payment is also wise. I always put
on my invoices when I freelance that payment be made within 30 days
otherwise a late payment fee of 20% on top of the final cost is incurred
for every two weeks late.
With respect to the printer - how has he affected your relationship with
him - last minute changes perhaps? Again, charge additional fees for any
changes the client wishes to make post sign off. He will think twice.
We all get the occasions with difficult clients and our printers should
understand this. Building a good relationship with your printer is
important, but remember you are bringing business to them, so they
should be able to be flexible to your needs - of course within remit!
If say, your client puts a last minute request, and the deadline is not
feasible as your printer hasn't got time to print, then let your client
know this firmly but calmly. We all want to do the best and achieve
everything for our clients but sometimes if things aren't feasible no
matter what the stops you pull, they just aren't feasible. You are not
a superhero!
Clients generally want the best quality for the best value of money and
it is our job to give them. The majority of them are not educated and
do not understand certain processes etc etc. If he complains about the
budget then design something within his budget to suit his needs. But
always offer an alternative - which may be more expensive, but if you
sell it right to him, he's liable to go for it, or perhaps a
compromise.
Best is to remain calm and to keep him as a client - You will always get
the agroagressive types but these can be managed well with some careful
manipulatory techniques. And if something is not feasible you just have
to let him know.
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL REMOVED] [EMAIL REMOVED] On Behalf Of Jon
Hughes
Sent: 09 November 2007 14:46
To: Laura Stadler
Subject: FN-FORUM: Angry Pickle
Morning all,
I find myself in a bit of a pickle today and would like your thoughts.
One of my clients is beginning to make me supremely angry. He
perpetually haggles on costs, always complains of having no budget,
doesn't understand or value design, and has a knack of revealing
deadlines hours before work is due. He's also rude, a shockingly poor
payer and is by no means one of my more financially reliant clients.
His haphazard way of working is beginning to impact my printer with whom
I have an excellent relationship and wouldn't want it damaged in any
way.
I've tried managing him alongside the projects we work on, but the
process always collapses. =20
So my plight is, do I tell this client where to go or suffer his
mind-numbingly stupid behaviour for ever and always?
I think I've just answered my own question...
But, has anyone else had to dump a client? I'd rather compose an email
than speak to him on the phone (it's like talking to a remedial brick
wall) but is that a bit weak? I fear he wouldn't remember a phone call
anyway. =20
Jon Hughes
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.=20
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.24/1117 - Release Date:
07/11/2007 22:52
=20
--=20
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