Re: FN-FORUM: am i being too soft or harsh?

date posted 1st June 2006 11:20

On 1 Jun 2006, at 11:59, Thomas Campbell wrote:

> bring up the subject of the bill for these alterations in your next
> conversation with the client. If they say their not paying, take the
> site down until they do.
>
> Harsh, no bullshite, straight to the point

Bad advice, in my opinion.

This kind of task is always an irritation, but doing it quickly and
without a hint of a complaint is the kind of thing that gets you a
reputation for being helpful and co-operative. And we all know that
there's no other form of marketing more effective than word of mouth.
If it is really only taking a minute or two each time, I'd keep doing
it. Perhaps save up a few requests and do them al together in a bunch -
more efficient that way.

If your judgement tells you that this client is beginning to take the
p*ss, have a friendly chat with them and bring up the subject of a
maintenance contract perhaps for a fixed number of hours per month,
anything over to be charged at your hourly rate.

Don't whatever you do take their site down unless you want to lose
them, and all their business contacts as potential clients forever!

Best regards,

Ray

------------------------------
Ray McGinty Information Design

Specialising in web application development,
e-commerce and design for print.

http://www.rmid.co.uk

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