I recently bid on a website project, but the client was upfront about it being out of their budget, so we decided to part ways amicably. However, the client has now come back saying they initially got the site made on Fiverr, but the developers there can't complete it. They want me to come in and finish the job. I really don't want this project. It's frustrating to see clients go for cheaper options, only to return when things go south, expecting me to sort out their mess. I've had three clients do this just this week! I'm looking for a way to say, 'You should have hired me from the start' or 'This is a consequence of your choices,' without being rude. What's a diplomatic way to decline this poorly thought-out request?
12 Answers
You can keep your response straightforward and friendly. Thank them for considering you, but state that at this time, you're not accepting transition or cleanup projects. It leaves a clear boundary without any drama.
Stick to your guns: say you can fix it but at your quoted rate to ensure you’re not undermining your worth. That way they can see the value in completing a project the right way from the start.
Just either say no or quote them double your original price. When they complain, just explain you're essentially cleaning up someone else's mistake, which takes more effort.
Alternatively, charge them a fee just to evaluate the current state of the site. After that, you can either give them an estimate for the real fix or let them know you can't take it on. If you really don’t want to engage, just say, 'This isn't the kind of project I take on.'
Just say you're not available, it's really as simple as that. No need to elaborate or get into a lecture.
Try saying, 'I’m not available for new projects right now. Thank you for considering me!' It keeps things professional and you don’t burn any bridges for the future.
You don't need to be petty about it. Just let them know you appreciate the offer, but you believe it would be more cost-effective to start fresh rather than trying to patch up a project that the original developer couldn't complete. This way, you hint at the oversight of not hiring you initially without sounding harsh.
That sounds like a tactful approach. And yeah, it can feel petty sometimes, so you’re not alone in feeling that way.
Absolutely! Just stick to your original pricing when discussing it.
Remember, if they've come back to you because of issues, that’s a good sign that they’re learning their lesson! Maybe you can still foster a relationship but only with proper terms that protect your time and efforts.
You could explain that cleaning up the existing work would take even more time than just building it from scratch. Stick to your original rate or suggest an additional fee to finish the site, but be firm about it.
Definitely the right way to go. Starting fresh could end up saving everyone time and hassle!
When quoting, make sure to include that fixes will cost more since you’ll be dealing with a messy project. It’s justified, and they need to understand that it's a tough situation for you as well.
One option is to quote them based on your hourly rate. If your original quote was for X amount of time, calculate how long it would take to fix the mess and present that as your quote. This way you don’t outright reject them, but also don’t undercut your original pricing!
Great tip! Just make sure to emphasize that fixing someone else’s work is often more time-consuming.
Exactly! And if they question the price, remind them it involves undoing mistakes.
Honestly, just keep it professional. Thank them for reaching out, and clearly state that you’re not taking on cleanup projects, especially those started by someone else. Keep it calm and straightforward!
Good point! It might be better to start from scratch if it's already complicated.