How to get lazy clients to give you the data you need for the Website

imagined · 11-19-2009, 10:36 AM

I have a client that needs a Website (he's like an doctor's office manager). He signed the contract about 4 months ago and gave me a nice check for 50% of the total. (I charge 50% at contract sign-up and 50% when I finish the project).

He still hasn't given me all the data I need to start designing. I don't start designing unless I have all the content for the Website, no drafts. I have called him. I have met with him about 3 times (wasting time and gas). And he just gives me a little bit of data but there is a whole lot more pending. I have even given him a Website Information Checklist. I have even told him I could spend a day with him gathering all the data. But he says he'll give me the info.

I just spoke to him yesterday, says he'll give me the information by next week. I've heard that before.

The contract even says that if all the data hasn't been submitted 30 days after the contract was signed. Project will stop and there will be no refunds. But I don't want to sound like I'm threatening him.

I always try my best for my clients to be happy. I'm very tempted to tell him, tactfully, about that part of the contract if he doesn't give me all the data next week.

I'm sure some of you have gone through the same problem before. What do you do when something like this happens?

graylensman · 11-19-2009, 10:59 AM

If you have a contract that stipulates consequences for client inaction, simply remind him of Clause 23 paragraph b (or whatever). Be tactful, but stand by your contract. That's why you make contracts.

IqAndreas · 11-19-2009, 11:02 AM

Stick the 50% in your pocket, and send him reminders by email now and then.

Then forget about it, move on, and once he finally sends all the data (if ever), start the project up, and claim your other 50%.

shane-c · 11-19-2009, 01:41 PM

^ This. Just let him know that the project's on hold until you get the info you need, and move on.

graylensman · 11-19-2009, 02:04 PM

I know! I know! Make him eat a live deep-fried trout until he gives you what you need!

ajcates · 11-19-2009, 07:07 PM

You can't always just put the project on hold tho. Because if you do that, now you need to find new projects and if you do get one and dude does finally get you the info, you will be overloaded with projects.

But if you work closely with a couple of other freelancers if one you get too busy you can hand off projects and work keeping things in more of a balance. This technique works even better if you guys compliment each others skills.

lorren.biffin · 11-19-2009, 07:17 PM

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Hey, you have totally sweet skills.

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Thanks! You too!

shane-c · 11-19-2009, 07:40 PM

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Originally Posted by ajcates

You can't always just put the project on hold tho. Because if you do that, now you need to find new projects and if you do get one and dude does finally get you the info, you will be overloaded with projects.

If a client doesn't get you what you need by the agreed-upon time, then you can't be expected to jump instantly back on their project whenever they finally get around to it. You do have to move on to other projects, and at that point those projects take precedence over the delayed one.

lorren.biffin · 11-19-2009, 07:58 PM

My stance: A contract is a contract. If you're doing business with somebody (for real money) it's encouraged and expected to follow the terms of your (written) agreement. If your contract says they're SOL if they fail to meet client responsibility then that's the way it should be. Don't be a jerk about it.. Just do it. It's good business.

While I feel it's ok to be lenient w/ friends and family (don't do business w/ friends and family to begin w/. It's trouble more often than not), anybody who doesn't respect you enough to consider your time as valuable as theirs isn't worth the extra effort. I've been burned enough times to say this confidently.