freelance q
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- brozilla
Freelancers - I've got a question for ya,
When do you say enough is enough? I've got a client that has been contacting me about once a month to make small updates to their site. When I initially completed the site, I created a users guide for this exact reason -so they could make the updates themselves. They have a "web" person who should be making these updates but has admitted that she hasn't had the time to read the guide . So now she is bugging me to do the work.
They are willing to pay me for my time, that is not the problem (I'm even charging them 60/hr for updates). The problem is I've got an already overflowing plate right now and can hardly keep my head above water as is, let alone keep doing these updates which can take anywhere from an hour to .5 day.
How do I say no more without burning future bridges?
- seed0
Tell them you have a lot of large projects taking up your time now and pass the work on to someone else. I'll do it.
- fake_it_up0
tell them you are booked for a wile and to read the guide and when you have a open slot you can take care of it... unless you have agreed to a certine amount of updates then you would need to do it... or sub it out to a Jr. or internt type of person...
my advice....
- brozilla0
yeah, i don't wan to sub it out...not worth the time and potential aggrivation.
I guess I'll just tell them that I'm working on some large projects that occupy my time and they need to read the guide...They had a history of taking advantage of the situation while in development...for that reason I said no to a retainer and created the guide. the trend continues I guess. Pain in the ass.
Thanks for the advice.
- Dancer0
Ask them to create a list of things they need changing and you will spend one day at the end of every month with their web guy. Set a date and stick to it. THey then have no reason to hassel you. after a few months their web guy should get the hang of it
- brozilla0
how does this sound?
"Just a heads-up. I am working on some large projects from now through early 2006 and am having a difficult time managing the workload. I need to focus all of my attention on these projects. When you have time please go over the guide (I'm sure you will) and call on me only as a last resort."
- CFish0
I wouldn't say 'having a difficult time managing the workiload" – Just that you are at capacity at present.
And making a meeting with the web guy to show him the rope sounds a good idea...and charge them accordingly.
- davi-t0
agree with fake it up...