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Killersites.com Forum
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Business of Web Design
Thread: Deadline comes and goes - website still not finished
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Thread Status: Active Total posts in this thread: 14
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Susie
Advanced Member Ohio, USA Joined: May 30, 2004 Post Count: 2677 Status: Offline |
How do you guys handle things when deadlines come and go and the website still isn't finished? I have 4 unfinished projects and they are delayed for various (and valid, I might add) reasons. The reasons range from personal issues to family emergencies (only one has given the reason that he just hasn't had time to gather the material for me). I totally get that things happen and sometimes our best laid plans don't go according to schedule. But how long do you let a site go unfinished and what do you do to jump start it again? Do you have anything in your contract about things like this? |
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seadragon
Newbie Joined: Jun 29, 2007 Post Count: 35 Status: Offline |
I had a client once tell me how proud she was that they made certain their boys (it was a concrete company) got paid. When plenty of time had passed and many futile attempts to get her text content edited (I had written the basic info) were made, I brought that up to her in a respectful manner. She was so apologetic, paid me and I still await her edits 4 months later :) In my contracts I do have written what I provide, as well as what my client agrees to provide me with. Then we agree on a date for completion, time line, and sign the agreement. This helps me to discuss (If necessary) that I need to pay my designers (I have a part time girl) and my overhead and that I need to get paid to do this and we are well past our agreed upon date of completion. So far, this has helped me to get paid although I have three other clients that I'm just holding their files until they decide to give me their additions or text changes. I handle hosting if they need it but it is a separate charge and until final approval I do not purchase or set up hosting (as noted in the contract as well). PS - I never let them think I've forgotten them, I send a reminder email every 4 to six weeks and get the 'apology' reply, which is fine, but this way they don't forget me either and when they do get the bug, they're not going to go to someone else, they'll just call me and we'll get it done. Stay positive!!  |
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newseed
Advanced Member Joined: Apr 2, 2005 Post Count: 2141 Status: Offline |
Believe it or not, it's part of the business. I usually remind the client of the content/info needed to get the site done. On my third attempt, I again remind the client and then specifically inform them that I have a schedule to keep and if they delay any longer they may end up having their project pushed back. I assume you have something in your contract informing them about this possibility. Meanwhile, move on to your other projects. ---------------------------------------- Success is based on how much you spend. If it's not money, then the alternative is your time. The Kasper Group |
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daddyalfie
Advanced Member Joined: Jul 17, 2006 Post Count: 192 Status: Offline |
Human nature Susie. People will not spend money on something they are not sure will bring them more. I also have a client, who happens to be the first one I ever had. I designed a site for him, and showed what I had done on spec. No charge or expectations expected. The dude is struggling to keep his head above, as I'm sure you understand. He is still a friend, but I do not expect any paying business from him soon. Some will have enthusiasm and the money to back it up, many will not have either / or. Fortunately for me, I am retarded, (ER...RETIRED!) and do not require a secure income from this business. It is more of a hobby for me than a vocation. Have patience, and trust in fate. karma, or the Lord's Divine Providence, or whatever. Alfie ---------------------------------------- If you can't sleep, try lying on the end of the bed. Then you might drop off. - Mark Twain |
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Susie
Advanced Member Ohio, USA Joined: May 30, 2004 Post Count: 2677 Status: Offline |
Well, here are a couple excerpts from my contract. I see now that I need to be more specific in the future. $_____ (1/3) upon signing this contract $_____ (1/3) upon acceptance of design $_____ (1/3) upon completion of the whole website (at this time, login information for the CMS will be given) I don't give actual dates since I can't ever seem to predict when these stages will be complete. Auxano Creative will complete the proposed website in a timely manner. Upon signing of contract all contracted work will be completed no later than _________________. If the client does not provide Auxano Creative with complete materials and input within 60 days of signing this contract, the entire contract becomes due and payable. How would you interpret this part? I actually got this section off a sample contract I found online. What if the client has provided most of the materials, but not all? ---------------------------------------- [Edit 2 times, last edit by Susie at Nov 28, 2008 2:53:45 PM] |
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Thelma
Advanced Member Texas, USA Joined: Dec 8, 2003 Post Count: 3021 Status: Offline |
If the client does not provide Auxano Creative with complete materials and input within 60 days of signing this contract, the entire contract becomes due and payable. Just like that -- Maybe you could send a polite - just FYI, per contract, bla bla. Then offer them a special extension of 2 weeks or so - and if you still don't have your stuff, send your bill. I guess worst thing to happen is that they don't pay - and then you have as much money as you have now.... ---------------------------------------- ... |
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cboudy
Advanced Member Joined: May 26, 2006 Post Count: 1757 Status: Offline |
Hi Sue, I had this problem a while back too. Took me 6 months to finish a 5 page website. LOL. I have a similar method as you, for example If it's a project under $1000, I will charge half up front (as a deposit) and then the other half once the project is complete. If it's a larger project $1000, $3000, $5000 +, then I will break it up in smaller segments such as 30% upfront, 40% in the middle of the project timeline, and the remaining 30% once the site is completed. In the contract snippet you have, I would interpret it as.."If I have not provided the complete materials that you need in order to get the site done, then I have to paid in full" From a client's point of view, that would sound a little harsh. Say for example, I gave you 70% of what you needed. Or my company has had some downsizing and we haven't been focused on the website like we should. The client will ask "I understand that I haven't given you the last 30%, but why must I know pay in full if the work is not complete" It's never a good situation when the client stalls, but as long as you have details in your contract that would avoid you getting burned, you should be ok. Stef once told me a while ago..."You can't make a stone bleed" |
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admin
Advanced Member Joined: Jun 14, 2003 Post Count: 2933 Status: Offline |
I have a whole series of podcast that deal with the business end of web design - The Business of Web Design Anyway, I have a couple of podcast that talk about getting paid and project delays. Welcome to the world of web design!  ---------------------------------------- Stefan Mischook Video Tutorial Store | Web Templates |
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ewwatson
Advanced Member United States Joined: Dec 19, 2007 Post Count: 1285 Status: Offline |
Hi Susie, There are two reasons you want what you want - you want your money, and you want it completed and off your mind. Well, you can at least get one of those two things. How about... You say your deadline (90 days probably better), but say it like this. "If the client does not provide Auxano Creative with complete materials and input within 90 days (or other prearanged time) of signing this contract, the entire contract becomes due and payable... When the complete materials/content are supplied by the client, the website will be completed, at no extra charge." See, once you've worked with the client for awhile, and have developed somewhat of a rapor with this person, it may be hard to follow through with your original version. That's what I've learned from all my different contracts. When the time came, I didn't want to be an A-hole. So I would often just cut them a break. So it has to be something that you can follow through with as well. Regardless of cercumstances, otherwise it's pointless to even put in there in the first place. . ---------------------------------------- Eric :~) Knowledge is Power |
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Susie
Advanced Member Ohio, USA Joined: May 30, 2004 Post Count: 2677 Status: Offline |
Thanks, guys.  Stef, I will try to make some time to listen to your podcasts. In between actually doing the work and taking care of my 3 kids, it's hard to find the time. lol I have been very understanding and I know that things happen. One of my client's mom passed away (totally understand her need for time) and others have various reasons that are equally valid. I guess where I'm coming from is that I have 2 clients waiting to get started and I didn't want to start a new project without the others being finished up. Know what I mean? I guess I will just keep reminding them that I'm here when they're ready and I'll go ahead and get the others scheduled. |
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