I have a project that I have worked on and off for over 3 months now, basically delays with my client providing me with images, copy etc.. they really do not seem to have a strict deadline in place and keep meandering. Now they are asking for additions to the site that were not in the initial brief. I have completed the site pretty much, and would really like to invoice for services rendered, then come back to the rest when they are ready. I do have a clause in my terms that says basically no response from them more than 14 days and I can bill, but how to i go about it? say with the wording, so as not to sour the relationship? this is the part that I am having trouble with.

 

Thanks

I'd suggest billing them for work done so far to get the account up to date, then send them a quote for the additional work. Presuambly you have control over this site - if so make sure it stays offline until they have paid.

I'd suggest billing them for work done so far to get the account up to date, then send them a quote for the additional work. Presuambly you have control over this site - if so make sure it stays offline until they have paid.

 

Thanks for that Bluedreamer, it is the wording i want to get correct in the email i will send, any tips on that?

 

many thanks

Thanks for that Bluedreamer, it is the wording i want to get correct in the email i will send, any tips on that?

 

many thanks

 

Hi Flavaflav,

 

I myself have to deal with clients like this quite often. More often than not the client can appreciate the amount of work you've put in and will just pay you anyway. If i were you i would do an invoice for all work you've done to date and attach it to an email that reads something like this:

 

Dear ....

Please find attached an invoice for all work carried out on your site to date. As i'm sure you can appreciate i have spent a lot of time so far producing your site so a prompt payment would be greatly appreciated.

 

Regards,

Agreed with consh

Hi Flavaflav,

 

I myself have to deal with clients like this quite often. More often than not the client can appreciate the amount of work you've put in and will just pay you anyway. If i were you i would do an invoice for all work you've done to date and attach it to an email that reads something like this:

 

Dear ....

Please find attached an invoice for all work carried out on your site to date. As i'm sure you can appreciate i have spent a lot of time so far producing your site so a prompt payment would be greatly appreciated.

 

Regards,

 

Thanks for that,they were thinking of having some extra seo work done on the site,after completion of the main project. I am thinking of how to word that into the email also, as a kind of hook, so they do not think i am going to dissapear. I have a feeling they will be funny otherwise for paying for work already done..and i could really do with the balance at this moment in time.

Just one thing to consider - it all depends on the client and only you know how they are.

 

Because there's future work there and you want to maintain the relationship what can work really well is just simple, 'clean and clear' professional wording that doesn't make an issue out of the situation. What I mean is by just being 'business-like' and making sure your wording makes it seem like the most natural thing in the world and anything else would be strange. I'd say avoid aggressive wording like "you can appreciate", "prompt payment" etc.

 

Go for something like:

 

"No problem with those additions - I will [explain whatever it is]...

...

I can have this done for you by x date and it will only cost £x.

I've attached an invoice for the original brief and the work to date.

 

[and here you sign off]"

 

That way you're just making it part of the process without drawing attention to it. Depending on the client there's a good chance they won't question it. If they do, then you have to worry about smoozing/ enforcing your T&Cs. This way just gives you a chance to avoid wrangling.

Thanks guys, i'll give it a whirl!! Wish me luck!!