clients not providing info on schedule

[jbsykes]

I have a client that paid me over a year ago to get started on a site. A number of times he has started the propject up again, yet failed to complete what was required. I have my contract voided if material is not provided within 3 months. I am spending countless hours getting these projects up to speed each time we start up. How can I inspire the client to follow through? At the moment I state in the contract that any additional time required to begin the project will be charged at an hourly rate.

Any Ideas on how to deal?

[snapple]

I have my contract voided if material is not provided within 3 months


...let it!

It's stupid to carry on like that, your sacrificing other work and time, what’s the point?

The answer to me, appears to be a simple one.

Regards, snapple :)

[CyanBlue]

Same answer from me... You at least got paid... :)

I'd send a formal letter to that troublesome client saying that you've done what you can do to keep up with the client even though you were not getting the materials on time as a courtesy, but you cannot stand it any longer, so you should get the material in 10 days or something or the contract will be voided or something like that...

You never know what that client is going to say to somebody else, so you better be nice to him/her... :)

[pixelwit]

The solution to this problem is obvious and I'm surprised nobody else has mentioned it.

Facts: You already have the money. You don't want the client to bad-mouth you. The client is getting on your nerves.Solution: You must kill your client.Logic will set you free.

-PiXELWiT
http://www.pixelwit.com

[CyanBlue]

Ah... Bravo!!! :D

[stealthelephant]

i have this problem too, u gotta stress to the client that the work costs! and chase up on them every chance u get, trying to charge more will only give more headache

[snapple]

I strongly believe that these situations that arise, are usually not the clients fault.

There should never be any problems, if you really explain, communicate and enforce your conditions of work and your contract.

There should never ever been any complications or need for solutions to problems.

If there is a problem, then its usually your fault. If you draw the line, and explain in no uncertain terms, written terms and verbal and if need be audible terms, what your job is and what your job is not - then there would be no problem in there first place.

It kind of annoys me, people come running to others saying "my clients stitched me up" or "help, my contract this, and s/he’s making me do that" etc etc.

Well there is no need for that, its happened because you have let it happen. If you draw very clear lines and write down the terms of your employment and the responsibility of others, keep site reports, work reports, work schedules that you fill in, then no problems need ever arise.

Regards, snapple

[Stimpson]

Hmmm...I see your point snapple, and it's valid most of the time. But let's face it, some client-side people are just total..... no matter how hard you explain or communicate. Perhaps because those people feel they have a shitty job, have no work ethic or perhaps they have some personal issues and can't be bothered with anything, who knows. But your right that the only thing you can do in that case is too claim maked costs and cut the line :).

[stealthelephant]

Originally posted by snapple
I strongly believe that these situations that arise, are usually not the clients fault.

There should never be any problems, if you really explain, communicate and enforce your conditions of work and your contract.

There should never ever been any complications or need for solutions to problems.

If there is a problem, then its usually your fault.

i disagree strongly with some of the things that you say, sometimes it simply isnt possible to cover all bases when explaining a situation to a client, they might be absolute total idiots and in such a case it could be impossible.
for instance, on my most recent 1, they wanted 'everything' done. after explaining what could and what couldnt we eventually went ahead. ages behind schedule because of the constantly changing specs, everything fell apart on user acceptance testing simply because it wasnt the way 'windows' does it - even when i explained to them it was going to be a php application AND SHOWED THEM EXAMPLES
stupid bloody friken enduser dumbass's. i guess what i am trying to say, is a good first step would be to communicate with someone who has a clue! if not, u are kinda doomed ;)

[McGiver]

I'm with pixelwit :D

[snapple]

Originally posted by stealthelephant:
sometimes it simply isnt possible to cover all bases when explaining a situation to a client, they might be absolute total idiots and in such a case it could be impossible.


My answer to that is: Yes it is. It does not matter who the client is, it does not matter if they don’t understand you…you make them understand, you cover your back and cover all the bases – that’s part of YOUR JOB!


Originally posted by Stimpson:
some client-side people are just total..... no matter how hard you explain or communicate.


I refuse to believe that if you had a typed letter, a written agreement and people present, contracts, that there is someone out there who still does not understand. All you need to state (in very plain terms), is what your role is, and what the responsibilities of others are – then there will be no confusion.


It annoys me because there are NO circumstances where you should be left exposed or exploited – there is simply no need.

I knew people would disagree with me with what I wrote, you know how I knew you were going to disagree? Because, everyone always has ‘their’ story, everyone always has an ‘exception’ to the rule - well I’d argue that these can be eliminated.

There should never be any incidences where you are left exploited, exposed or trapped – if you are, it’s your fault. Because you go into the job knowing the risks, and its up to you to consider those risks an take pre-emptive action.

An example:


Originally posted by stealthelephant:
they wanted 'everything' done. after explaining what could and what couldnt we eventually went ahead. ages behind schedule because of the constantly changing specs,


What do you mean “explain” and why afterwards? How about you write your terms of employment down and present them to the client. Why does it have to be constantly changing? If it is behind schedule then that’s a small price to pay.

There are NO exceptions, its your responsibility, you have the controls. You take the action – you let them know how you work, they are employing you!!!

Everything you do should be written out and presented to them. Don’t try and sort things out ‘on-the-job’.

There are simply no exceptions. I know people who have this kind of attitude, and you know what? Non of them ever have ANY complications on the job…NEVER.

Its up to you, and that’s why everyone is a “wounded story-teller” and there is no need for them to be, if they are, its because they allowed themselves to be.

Just because you can provide anecdotes that do nothing other than demonstrate that you have not spent as much time planning and taking pre-emptive action as you should have done, it does not mean that it can't be done.

Regards, Snapple

[Stimpson]

Well, thing is that doing business is a peoples business, you just can't cover all and elimate every reason for possible trouble. I think if you would do a survey on this, you oppinion will be in the minority. But those who haven't encouterd any problems ever, I considder lucky (or just incredibly talented ;)). Which isn't a bad position to be in mind you, would be bliss actually :p.

[stealthelephant]

basically, i have done around 10 solo projects, & have worked as a programmer as part of a team for almost 5 years now, and have had only 1 screw up, the 1 i outlined above, i firmly believe that there is somethings out of ur control, no matter how well u prepare for it or plan ur mitigation.
as the saying goes,
never say never ;)

[CyanBlue]

NEVER :D

[Stimpson]

Now you said it.....:p

[snapple]

If only i could take my own advice when it comes to relationships.

I might swap my usual chat-up lines in the bar, just buy them a drink and present them with the contract :)

I take your points, it's not easy.

So take care.

Regards, snapple :)

[stealthelephant]

i do agree with most of the stuff u said though