I woke up this morning, and as always I check my mail while still lying in bed. Don’t ask me why, I just find it better to check my mail, than actually having to get out of bed, it’s a way of snoozing. Although I will most likely sleep for another 10-15 minutes after I’ve read the mail. Today however, I did not need any snoozing. As I opened the inbox on my iPhone I saw a name I had no problem remembering, it was the name of an old client of mine, a client I’ve spent time trying to forget about. My head started working.
One year ago a man sent me a mail regarding a website he wanted me to design, including a graphical profile, some graphic elements and icons. A rather large project, but the project was interesting, and the size of it made me excited as I were looking for new challenges and find out what I was capable of. We got started, I designed and after a bunch revisions and discussions things were going quite smooth. Logo was settled, icons designed, site architecture, back-end was set up and the design on the way. At the very start of the project we decided to split up the payments in several pieces for safety reasons. We also signed a contract, although it never actually arrived in my mailbox.
After a few months, the project came close to the finish line, and there were just a small amount of bits and pieces remaining to be put in place, and the project would be ready for take off. Throughout the process the communication went on and off, sometimes it was good, other times days and weeks could pass by between our correspondence. Although this annoyed me and certainly made the process a bit slower than it could have been, the payments arrived as we agreed, and I felt comfortable moving on. The 3rd payment however (3 out of 4), he never sent. Being a bit naive, I continued the work, but as more days went by and I heard nothing from him, I discontinued the work. I continued to mail him, for several months without any response. I gave up after some time.
Looking back I see a lot of stuff I could have done different, and that there are a lot of things to learn from this. From a business perspective there are number of flaws from my side as well, and I don’t do business this way anymore. But I still don’t look back and consider this project a complete failure. The hundreds of hours I put into this project makes me proud and aware of my passion for this business. I worked day and night for several months, with only myself and the girlfriend I had back then as motivation and support. I think it is a nice reflection, as it definitely reminds me of why I’m in this game, and it also reminds me how I should play it, as ultimately, I can’t survive in this business not getting paid.
The name I saw in my inbox, which I could so easily remember is the name of the client. He says he is sorry, and wants to continue this project, 1 year after it’s original start up.
Dear interwebs, what do you think I should do?
Definitely finish it. Would be a shame to throw away all the work you’ve already done.
Agree the terms (better communication, payment) and finish it.
If you still find the project interesting you could continue it. And lay down some conditions, of course. Examples:
- Possibly kindly inform him that your fees has been raised in the meanwhile.
- Require full payment in advance, stating that you’ve already proved your reliability (and he hasn’t).
Even if he doesn’t accept your terms, he’d remember your kind and professional attitude. Which is always good.
I think you should give him some new rates!
And have him pay the rest before you start.
I imagine the client are «Sosial Media» http://piraja.no/portfolio/sosial-media/ – the first non-live project of yours I can think of when reading your description of your work – just a wild guess.
I’m in the same situation with one of my clients, communication can be silent for month and then suddenly there’s sign of life from the client. I’m still working on it as a sideproject, and I’ve made arrangements regarding payment with the client.
Do the same – don’t toss out good work! 2010 is the year to finish the project.
Thanks for the response. I’m gonna take some time to consider what I would need to continue this project in terms of conditions.
@Christian Philippsen — The client is not Sosial Media. Henrik Lied (the owner) is a dear friend of me. Thanks for keeping an eye out though :-)
Finish it!
If not for the clients sake, for your own. If it is the project I think it is, it´s so beautiful and you should definitely show the interwebs your skills. That website is art.
I´m your biggest fan, and I love your style.
Definitely finish! You came this far, might as well go the rest of the way. I’m with the others–up your rates and demand the funding up front. Good luck!
What Karina said!
It’s that food site right?
That design was supercool.
History says that the client will continue to give you issues because he has in the past. His lack of communication and respect for the time and effort you put into the project speak to character flaws in him that aren’t easily corrected in less than a years time. You may not have the same issues as you did before, but if he doesn’t value your time, new issues will arise.
I respect the fact that you want to see it through to completion. There can be no question there was value for you by working on this project and you learned a lot from it. Attempting to give the client a second chance despite the red flags could also teach you a valuable lesson. Whether or not that is a pleasant experience remains to be seen. :)
If you do decide to give it a go, I would suggest getting the money up front. If he’s unwilling to do so or at least compensate you for the outstanding balance he already has with you, send him on his way.
Best of luck!
@Seb — Yes :-)
@Adam Little — Thanks for your thoughts, my friend. It’s tempting to be a bit naive to see what life can offer also in this chapter. In general I’m not afraid of making mistakes, and in this case I’ll thanks to you guys be aware of what I might face.
Money up front and compensation for the time and energy lost is definite conditions. I’m curious to see what will happen. I’ll keep you guys posted.
I think you should finish it. I guess it was the food site you’re talking about?
As several people here say, require the full payment in advance, and finish the site. If he doesn’t agree, then leave the project, because clients like that isn’t good for you.