Greetings folk.

 

Just had the same client on the phone chasing for progress, which is where this all stems from. This client wants an online shop, not a problem. When asked the client has no idea how they are going to ship the goods, no idea of company name but wants a shop. As i'm not so green as I used to be I keep sending them away to at least come back with a product catalogue, still waiting, I use this as a benchmark for client input as projects drag on forever, they always chase for your work but ask them the compay post code and tumbleweed blows by.

 

It now turns out they just want to resell another companies products, but now they want me to talk to the other company on their behalf as they don't understand 'web stuff'. It would appear that instead of wanting an online shop they want someone to make an entire company and give it to them making loads of wedge. I got a touch bold ensuring in no uncertain terms that if this is a case of you wanting business advice and someone else to do the legwork it's not going to happen.

 

Here's where i'm wondering how you all deal with this sort of thing? The darkside of me is thinking of talking with this supplier, setting up everything myself and then making some wedge out of it, cutting out the client. How many of you have taken a slice of the pie over development fees?

If it's not your expertise then I would air of the side of caution, it means running another business in a field you might not be too savvy in ... but of course if you have the time to do that, then that's your call.

 

We had a client wanting an online store, took 6 months from initial meeting to get to the point of starting the project but still the client wasn't fully prepared. We told them as such and sent them on their way (politely of course). They might be back in a few months, once again 'ready' to start. Who knows?

 

You've done the right thing up to now, don't take on work based on vague requirements and weak underpinnings.

 

Building a website isn't/is rarely a business case or model in it's own right - it still amazes me how many people think 'web' before they think 'core' business.

It sounds like a bit of a Mickey Mouse setup. Based on what I understand from your post, this client has come up with an idea but not thought it through and/or has not got the slightest idea on what they are doing. It would appear that your services are being extended a bit too much. I admire your patience for sticking with it to see how it's panned out so far.

 

To echo what MMMedia has said, if you have the time to pursue it, it's your call. It all depends on the time you can dedicate to getting a feel of this new business venture. It's quite hard to appreciate what role your client has at all (aside from paying your fee - if it gets that far!).

Building a website isn't/is rarely a business case or model in it's own right - it still amazes me how many people think 'web' before they think 'core' business.

 

Totally agreed. The gap between a business idea and number one on Google with products shifting every 3 minutes is huge! For this business model it's no different from a glorified amazon affiliate in my book, no stock being held and shipped direct from manufacturer so as to why they can't work it out I have no idea, especially if it's meant to be 'their' business model. I think they just want to do the 'banking' and that's about it, maybe they would be better off just flogging stuff on eBay

maybe they would be better off just flogging stuff on eBay

That can often be the most cost-effective solution!

A good case for getting upfront payment for consultancy services

A good case for getting upfront payment for consultancy services

 

Yeah that's something that has always baffled me. Speculative work is something automotive garages get to charge all the time but utter the words to a client and they look at it as if you have asked them to pay for 'thinking'. Any tips on getting 'consultancy work' billed / quoted for? My experience has left a bitter taste on this note. Most clients think I have a magic wand and ideas flowing out my brain and they need only pick one.

 

Maybe we should all veto free advice to clients, fight the power!

We work based on 3 scenarios:

 

1) We'll talk over the project briefly, if the client is well versed then no charge

2) If we feel it requires additional planning on our part there's a charge X per hour

3) We can help with planning and strategy at X an hour and won't start until it's done (and we're paid)

 

It's rare a client with argue the charge, any business worth their salt 100% appreciates and understands time costs money.

 

The client's likely to question a consultancy fee are the smaller ones, you can (and we have) compromised on charges to help them but it really depends on the client - some you really want to work with and reach a happy medium, some you can use it as a shield i.e. to 'fire' the client.

If there's any form of consultancy or planning involved, I charge to go to meetings.

 

In order to charge for your time in this way. you need to be aware of your value and the value you bring to the proceedings.

@MMedia - Cool, I will need some soul searching as to my worth ... thanks for the tips.

@MMedia - Cool, I will need some soul searching as to my worth ... thanks for the tips.

 

If you're confident in your ability and it's not just a sales meeting i.e. "this is what we do, this is what we need and this is what you get" then there's no reason no to charge.

 

An alternative method is to price in "project management" in your schedule of work/costs, we've never had anyone question the cost. If it's a month+ long piece of work, it should be standard.

 

If it's a shorter piece of work then there's less call for a specific charge relating to management - in which case make your scope/contract is very detailed and exact. Make it clear that any scope creep is chargeable by the hour.

If there's any form of consultancy or planning involved, I charge to go to meetings.

 

Yep me too, I've got clients a couple of hours drive away so attending a meeting can take up the best part of a full working day, the client gets charged appropriately plus travel costs (fuel/train fares).

 

If they buy me lunch I knock a tenner off if they treat me nice

 

If it's not a current customer then it would be a sales meeting in which case I don't usually charge, but a lot of people actually offer to cover my travel costs (and sometime my time) which is a nice touch.

Two things....

 

1. Prequalify your clients. Set better filters to prevent this sort of crap.

2. Walk away. You don't need the headaches.

Cheers for all this, making extensive notes and will try it out.