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Work / Freelance: Disappearing client

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      CommentAuthorjanpd24
    • CommentTimeJan 24th 2007
     
    This client had contacted me around November for a site design, and I had exchanged ideas, shown mockups, etc. He said he was busy for a while and I shouldn't worry if he didn't respond. And as I was in no hurry (I've done work for him before also), I said that was fine.

    But he's almost totally disappeared now. When I mail him, he responds saying he'll get back, but the last mails were exchanged early in January.

    Now, I'm wondering if he's either had second thoughts or found someone else. It's annoying, but I have a right to know, I think. Also, I did a decent amount of work making the mockups and researching various things he wanted on his site.

    In all my years as a freelancer, I've never had this sort of situation before! :-| I mean, payment hassles, yes, but never a disappearing client! Any advice?
    • CommentAuthorDraicone
    • CommentTimeJan 25th 2007
     
    Leave it. Other work will come. You're the freelancer, you're the one providing the service, if he doesn't show up it's his loss. I've had this issue before in a different respect - I've offered to help out with a website (at no charge!) including some high profile websites, and after the initial response where they would love my assistance, correspondence ceases.

    Alternatively, find some way to sell the work you've done so far (at least as a part of something bigger) to another client :)
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      CommentAuthorarwen54
    • CommentTimeJan 25th 2007
     
    Payal, did you get a deposit from him?

    Always ask for 1/3 to 1/2 upfront for any project. That way you'll be paid for the initial work you've done even if the client disappears.
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      CommentAuthorjanpd24
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2007
     
    Nope, no deposit. I've done some work for him earlier and he was very prompt with the payment that time.

    I think I'll probably forget about him!
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      CommentAuthorarwen54
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2007
     
    sometimes it's best just to move on..but in future, Payal, don't be afraid to ask for a deposit. It's totally acceptable.
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      CommentAuthorsnop
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2007
     
    Posted By: DraiconeAlternatively, find some way to sell the work you've done so far (at least as a part of something bigger) to another client :)

    You could always release the mockup as an open source template.
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      CommentAuthorjanpd24
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2007
     
    In future, I shall remember to ask for an advance on the payment. Lesson learnt! bakie

    And yes, I am thinking of releasing it as an open source template if nothing comes of it.

    Thanks for the responses, everybody.
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      CommentAuthorbakercad
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2007
     
    since you've done work for him before, he did inform you that he may not respond and it's only been 2 months....IMHO, I'd set it aside for a while before making it an OS template. If you release it too soon and he comes back, that means you may need to start over....more work for you.

    definitely get some kind of advance payment in advance next time though. Since I got stiffed on a job (mentioned in an another post) I've learned a lesson. I did get some money in advance for it, but not nearly enough to cover the time that I put into it. I stupidly gave them the final product before getting the final payment.
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      CommentAuthorjanpd24
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2007
     
    I am going to wait for a while - and drop him a mail or two - before I release it as OS!
    • CommentAuthorreldred
    • CommentTimeFeb 2nd 2007
     
    I think it's important to bring up the topic of copyright here. janpd24, you still own your work outright. Your client hasn't paid, therefore he owns nothing. If you see your work crop up, you have the right to take legal action.

    Now, not to sound like a broken record, but it's always best to get the client to agree, in writing (even an email is OK) to some terms. Not taking a deposit from an existing client is pretty common - heck, we do it regularly. But ensure that each client always agrees, in principle, to the scope, price and timeline.

    What I suggest you do is draft up an invoice for the work you've completed and MAIL it to him. Don't just email it; mail it. The worst case scenario is that he never pays and you never talk to him again. But hey, it may at the very least get the lines of communication open again.

    Consider this an inexpensive lesson learned. It only cost you some time and I'm sure you'll incorporate a very useful new process into your business.

    Good luck!
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      CommentAuthorjanpd24
    • CommentTimeFeb 2nd 2007
     
    There's some sound advice there, Reldred. I did mail him the other day. Am awaiting a response!

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