My client keeps delaying her project start and already paid in full. She meets with me frequently but no progress. What should I do?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been meeting with her numerous times. She hasn’t sent me the things I’ve requested…a few months ago she sent me a long email saying that I’m demanding too much from her. I just asked for photos, bio, and a couple other things. She wants my advice and help with things outside the project as well (I’m making her website). Then one day she told me she’s not sure she need a awebsite anymore. She wants my help with surveys and figuring out how to put them together. She and I have meet up a couple times a month for 2-3 hours since October. The thing is she paid in full already. Honestly I’m feeling a bit taken advantage of for my time and kindness.

[Oliverlogan263]

Girl, this client situation sounds super frustrating! It's not cool that she's basically using up your time with no progress on the actual project she paid for. A few ideas on how to handle it:

- Have a firm conversation explaining the original scope of work and that additional consulting needs to be paid separately. Set clear expectations on project deliverables and timeline.

- Offer a partial refund if she no longer wants the website, since the full payment was under the assumption work would commence already.

- Suggest shifting to hourly billing rather than the lump sum paid, since the scope has changed significantly from your original agreement.

- Set limits on unscheduled meetings if they're not productive. Your time is valuable! Only meet with a clear agenda in place.

- Depending on the work already done, you may need to start refund procedures if she continues delaying without a commitment to move forward.

Don't let her take advantage - you run a business! Politely put your foot down that this open-ended process isn't sustainable for you. She either needs to commit to the website or you'll need to close out the job. Your time and expertise deserve clear boundaries. This will only get worse if you don't address it head-on.

[Asker]

I don’t do refunds though and that’s in the contract. But it was supposed to be done in December lol. She said that we can pick this up again in March and then she moved it to June. It’s messy and I’m annoyed.

[Asker]

She’s also brought up that she basically doesn’t have the money to pay me for anything additional (some long story about how she’s still paying for another apartment she moved out of)

[Oliverlogan263]

Ugh sis, I feel you - that's so whack of her to constantly push things back like that. And now trying to say she got no money neither? Smh real shady.

I'd say email her one last time be like "look, we agreed to finish by December, now it's past June. I got other clients waiting so I need you to get your priorities straight."

Tell her straight up - she either sends over everything you asked for in the next 2 weeks tops, or the deals off. You ain't got time for these games no more, feel me?

And don't even trip about refunding - that paper's yours! She signed the contract. Just be like you offered a compromise of 20% back to close it out since it dragged so long, but now it's finish up or bounce.

Gotta stand your ground sis! Don't let her keep playing you, you worth way more than that cheap mess. She don't come through, consider it a paid lesson and move on to better clients who actually about that work. You got this!

[Asker]

How do I communicate that the $1500 she paid back last year when we started the project was for the 8 weeks of the project that was to be done? And that more work is going to potentially cost since it’s been dragged out and now I have other full time work to complete? I mean we’ve also met like 10 hours this year to basically just talk and she hasn’t brought up next items for the site, just planning that needs to get done.

[Asker]

Because I didn’t complete it she’s thinking that she already paid for it and can just resume with the additional pages (3) when she’s ready.

[DishLady]

Just give her an ultimatum for when you need to complete the project.

[Asker]

She’s also brought up that she doesn’t have the money to pay me for any additional work.

[DishLady]

Ooooh…. 🤬. I’ve had clients like that… and she takes up a lot of your time and attention too I bet.

Def a clear and final deadline and mapped out POA. No extras since she took so much time.

[Asker]

Thank you for your advice. Do you recommend I write up a new contract with the deadline? Or just inform her in writing? What about charging extra if she doesn’t meet the deadline?

[DishLady]

Have the original contract and attach a written notice with the deadline indicating charges incurred for not meeting the deadline. A final itemized invoice will be drawn up at the conclusion of the project.

(Of course make sure you’re following the regulations for your state.)

@legalboxers, can you lend some guidance here?

[Asker]

Thanks so much. This is so helpful. Yes I’d love some legal input as well.

[DishLady]

I don't think it tagged him, though. Hang on... @legalboxers? (If it doesn't work this time, just look him up. Very nice guy.)

[jennifer_bloom]

Some people waste the time of others cause they do not have proper guidance and direction and try to achieve that guidance in an incorrect way. I would send her inspiration to motivate her or refer her to a YouTube channel or author who can do that for you and than I would encourage her or hold her accountable to listen or read the person you recommended.

[Asker]

I’m always sending her resources and replying to her messages in a timely manner. I genuinely don’t know what else to do.