Comments on: The Case of the Disappearing Prospect

By: Alexis

Alexis — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:25:36 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Etienne. It’s a frustrating experience. As freelancers, we just have to learn to live with it and roll with the punches.

By: Etienne

Etienne — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:39:38 +0000

There’s a number of reasons why it has happened to me. First off, I think it’s fair to say first where I’m from and who I generally work with. I’m from Mexico and Mexicans do these kinds of things, of not responding.
One is: prospect doesn’t really see the business value of Graphic Design, they just see it as a personal ego booster, at least that’s how medical doctors are in general over here, I’ve worked with lots of them. It’s funny how when you start talking numbers they disappear.
Two: They have a million things going on, it’s not that they’re not interested, they’ve just postponed the project, they’re procrastinating maybe. Again, lack of interest in the project because they probably don’t have a clear vision of the business value of Graphic Design.

By: Alexis

Alexis — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:10:34 +0000

Thanks for sharing your experience, Janet. All the more reason why freelancers should require at least a deposit before starting work. In my case, I sometimes require full payment upfront. We do have to protect ourselves.

By: Janet Perry

Janet Perry — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:00:40 +0000

Hi –

I design custom needlepoint stitch guides, charts, and plaids. I work for designers, shops, and individuals. In general people in this industry are not quick to pay and often find YOU in the wrong if you press them for payment. I lost one designer client because I had to demand payment that was 90 days late.

It’s gotten so bad that now for customs stitch guides for all but a few long-time designer clients a 50% non-refundable deposit must be paid at the time the work is commissioned. For individuals they do not get their product until the balance is paid in full.

For shops they have 30 days to pay, but a history of late payments means future work must be paid in full before work commences.

With plaids payment must be complete before work starts.

I like to think people are honest, but I’ve had enough times when I’ve done work and not been paid, that now I am very cautious.

Keep Stitching,
Janet
Janet Perry´s last blog ..Feb 18, Needlepoint Cruise to Alaska with Janet Perry

By: Alexis

Alexis — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:50:31 +0000

Hi Paul! Thank you very much for sharing your recent experience. That’s an excellent reminder that we should NEVER jump to conclusions.

By: Scribblin' Paul

Scribblin' Paul — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:10:38 +0000

Well, I can definitely relate.

As a stuffy Brit, I see this as the equivalent of holding the door open for someone, who then shuffles silently by without so much as a “thanks”

However: like you point out, be careful of jumping to conclusions. I met up with a prospect a few months back. Went out of my way to see them. All went well – agreement in principle to work together.

I email a couple of days later to follow up and…nothing. For two weeks.

By that time I’ve decided that this person is a rude timewaster and a filthy stain on humanity. Then I get a call. Turns out he’s been in hospital with a burst appendix.

I finished the contract last week, he paid three days later. So beware of rushed judgements!

By: Alexis

Alexis — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:55:06 +0000

@Bridget – Sorry to hear you’re going through this now. I guess every freelancer is bound to experience this. It’s really annoying and sad at the same time.

By: Bridget Weber

Bridget Weber — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:42:04 +0000

Great post, Lexi. I’m dealing with a similar situation right now and have found myself asking the same question. How hard is it to simply shoot off an e-mail saying that you have decided to go in a different direction? You’ve hit the nail on the head here – just because we’re freelancers doesn’t mean we don’t deserve a little old fashioned common courtesy. At the very least, it definitely makes you think about how business relationships are evolving in today’s marketplace.

By: Alexis

Alexis — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:33:25 +0000

You got it, Jennifer. Unfortunately, it looks some entrepreneurs forget about professional courtesy. Hey, just because we’re not in a corporate setting doesn’t mean we deserve any less respect, right?

By: Jennifer Brown Banks

Jennifer Brown Banks — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:06:25 +0000

Lexi,

I think you’re right on point with this topic. As you say, communication is merely a professional courtesy that shows respect for the other person’s time and talents. It also allows the other person closure.
Jennifer Brown Banks´s last blog ..Guest Post***The Roar Series**Pamela Ferdinand