"I don’t really want to [use that communication method/pay that way/have to do this your way]. Let’s do this instead."
You’re just beginning a project, discussing initial details, and the moment you begin explaining to the client how you do business, they want it all done their way.
Let the small things slide, it will make for a better relationship and shows that you’re willing to accommodate their needs.
However, when you invoice through a certain system for financial security or collaborate through an online venue for organization and easier communication – a core business process – don’t cut clients slack just because ‘they don’t feel like it.’
There are a few problems with this. For one, you’ve likely spent time organizing your business in such a way that keeps in control of it; there’s a reasoning behind your system and you shouldn’t forget that.
How to Deal
If you’re in a situation where the client is trying to change a business process of yours, you can say something like:
"I understand where you’re coming from, but you should realize that I handle a number of different clients on a daily basis, and the reasoning for doing things this way it to help me run my business efficiently, and to get the project done for you more quickly with better results."
Most clients will understand that their project is not the only project on your agenda. It also shows that you’re not bending to their demands for a reason.
Also, some clients may not want to use a certain tool, payment method, or service because they are unfamiliar with it. For example, most people will have heard of PayPal if they’ve done any sort of online transactions in the past, but it doesn’t mean that your client’s heard of it before. It’s your duty – as a business that relies on this technology – to help your clients be more comfortable with the tools you use. In the case of PayPal, you could say something along the lines of:
"If you’ve never used PayPal before, let me help clear a few things up. I use PayPal because it is a secure payment gateway for the internet – you can never be too careful these days. There is no commitment on your part. You don’t need to sign up with PayPal or add funds to a PayPal account. You can easily pay with a credit/debit card, as you would with any sort of online store. It is a way for my business to accept payments and offer security for the both of us."
Stick up for your business processes, and don’t be such a pushover.
"I need a website identical to [Example website]. It should function the same way as well."
Clients who want to copy another website design happens more frequently than it should. Be careful: you don’t want to run into any copyright infringements.
There is a difference between creating a design that can compete with their competition and ripping off a website completely. When doing a website for a start-up business, it’s good to look at the competitor’s websites and find things that you can improve on, but you should never copy them directly.
How to Deal
The best way to deal with a client looking to copy another website is to explain to them the legalities of doing so. Instead, offer your ideas on how you can create a web design that can compete very well against their competition.
Additionally, make it clear that their website will benefit from being different.
"I needed this done a few weeks ago. When can you get it done for me?"
Many clients think that they are your only priority. If you have other things that you’re working on, it’s not reasonable to make deadline promises you can’t keep. You shouldn’t drop deadlines on your existing work to accommodate another project, because in the long run, everyone loses.
It wouldn’t be surprising when working with a client like this that they would not deliver their portion of the deal either. No type of web professional should have to work for a project months longer than expected, just because the client cannot give content or other needed information in a timely matter.
How to Deal
Make that client aware that you have other commitments that must be met and give them a realistic expectation of when you can get a project done based on their details, and set a reasonable timeframe for the project in the initial proposal. Just remember the fact that they needed it yesterday is their problem, not yours!
If your timeline is not suitable to them, in the long run, it’s better if they go somewhere else; for you, you won’t be rushing other projects to make up time, and for the client, maybe they can find someone who can get the job done in the timeframe they require.
http://sixrevisions.com/project-mana...-from-clients/