I had these same thoughts that it would be better to say no to this project in order to be available for better-fitting projects. Most contractors appreciate hearing why you didnt choose them, if youre comfortable providing that type of feedback. The tendency to turn down projects is to say something generic like, Im booked working on other projects. If you have a blog, online journal, or socially network on MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. 173.249.6.68 If youve shifted from working from 9-to-5 to freelancing recently, you might be under the impression that you wont ever need to deal with tedious or unwanted projects again. If this is the case, you can offer to put your client in touch with junior freelancers you know and trust, who may be grateful for the referral. Note: Outside your area of expertise can refer to your technical capabilities as well as your specialty or niche. Not always or right away, but it dawns on them slowly that there is enough work to go around and it doesnt hurt them to share when they can. If they are new, do you have any reservations about working with them? No, I need the pricing structured differently. That uneasiness is alerting you to the fact that a boundary is being crossed. "We are used to everything being immediate in the modern world," says Robert. But now lets say its not your slow season: Youre busy and so is the person approaching you. However, if you've spent time with the client in person or on the phone, then consider having an in-person or phone conversation with them. By helping and boosting one another, we can elevate the business of interior design together! This will usually be a new client you havent worked with before, but sometimes it may be a long-standing client. Written words do matter and in my opinion, polite, professionally-written words set you up for success. And when it is time to walk away after youve tired everything you can. Be clear and firm in your decision. This may lead to future work or other opportunities. The client is a nice person actually, but i found from my experience in working with him that hes quite indecisive and like to make a lot of changes at last moments which drags the projects timeline ( and the pay is low although its because of my inexperience ). Asking for more than half of the project cost up front, though, is a big red flag. Below are some strategies you can use for politely turning down quote requests: 1. 1. Head of Accounting (AMER) at Ignition and Managing Director Don't leave anything open to interpretation that can raise the client's hopes. Unfortunately, Ignition doesn't support payments in South Africa, but it's something we're working on in the future. I had a very similar experience. Most of the time its a no brainer because the time input is the same but the pay is cut down by half and some clients can be really persuasive. Thank you once again, and Im wishing you the best of luck! We feel that we won't be able to complete the project by XX. Suggest you stay in touch and that the client reaches out to you if their focus changes. Both projects were creatively challenging and successful. I can tell you that, based on my experiences in talking with contractors over the past 18 years, they appreciate hearing back from a client if they've submitted a bid but didn't get the job. You can explain your reasons briefly if you prefer, but there is no obligation to do so. . Love your story (actually all of the stories in the comments)! Step 4: Share Your Reason (s) Better Job Offer Found. I realized that turning down work, while the money would have been great didnt affirm my overall mission for my business. The difference between successful people and really successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything. Warren Buffet. (And you improve your relationship with the designers you recommend, even if they dont take the job.). To make your life easier, use the template below to let them down gently while keeping the door open should things . Lessoned learned though. There is nothing worse than pissing someone off, even if its by accident, who has a better rep or is more well-known than you. We do (interiors/new builds/remodels/lofts) that are (design firm aesthetic). Putting together a comprehensive bid can take several hours of a contractors time. Every writer is different, but I believe that honesty is the key to a successful business relationshipespecially when communicating via email. Hi Client, Thank you for your (email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me) regarding your (home remodel). Realize that a client might take it personally that you are turning down his project; as such, you want to be as gracious, nice, polite and gentle about it as possible. You probably know what projects youll take on and which ones you wont. I let the client know up front I normally charge a lot more, but the other day he says he wants another website for (big surprise) just as low an amount as the first one. You can contact them at [referral contact details] feel free to let them know I referred you. Most clients will happily respect a clear, polite, and honest answer. Besides the fact that he took up WAY too much of my time. You've acted professionally and offered a simple explanation. No, I need it in another format. Observe professional tone and structure. If youre not, remember that its a lot harder to manage your reputation when you have no rep to manage. I am a freelance translator and have met these types of clients/ agency. If any part of you thinks that the project or client could be a pain later, skip it. And while there are many great articles on why you shouldnt feel guilty about saying no, many people still do. I have a client Ive started working with and while it was going great at first its dragging on into a nightmare and Ive lost interest in the project. If youre still learning how to decline a client project, you may struggle to maintain confidence and trust in yourself and your work. Even if they accept theyll likely resent you forever for raising the price. 1. The trick is all in how you say it. I cant think of a better reason to decide up front what you will or wont work on based on the strength of your reputation. Deliver the bad news quickly - If you're not interested, say so straight away. Will working with this client lead to other good potential sources of work in the future. So hard to turn down a client but this is a bullet I have to bite almost every month. @Lance CPA Group, Ignition2023 | Terms | Privacy | Security | Cookie Settings. Be clear about your decision, but do not be bluntly honest about the reason. The prices you charge should increase over time as you gain expertise. The tendency to turn down projects is to say something generic like, "I'm booked working on other projects." Editors note: This post was originally published on January 29th 2019 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Sara McCord is a freelance writer and editor, who most frequently covers the career beat. It could be that the client's company doesn't align with your values or that your schedule is simply too full. The key is to be assertive so that when you do say no, your answer is firm and not left open to negotiation. He then told me that he didnt like round letters which most of them were because the word Global was in it. I had spent 8 hours of my time by now and only received $100. And it is perfectly okay to turn down a project. Its important to be selective about the projects you take on as a freelancer, recognizing when a project is not a good fit for your skills, values, or interests. Im afraid I dont have the passion to share your product like you need. I required a signed contract and 50% down. 5. Please note that I am more than willing to [share the project on LinkedIn / put you in touch with another freelancer I know who may be interested], if youd like me to. I typically respond to work-related e-mails within one-to-two business days. Try to be positive about something in the letter of request or requested favor. Keep it simple and professional to avoid misunderstanding and give yourself the option of keeping the door open to future collaboration. Do you believe that your work on the task will help people, communities, or the environment in a positive way? Here are some tips on how to politely turn down proposals. So after a few unprofessional exchanges on his part, he asked me if I was able or willing to continue. Turning down a project because you have too much on your plate. Salary isn't Up to Standard. Thank the person for their time - You may not have asked for the sales email (and may not want it), but someone has taken the time to write it, so thank them for their time. In addition, it will give you the skills and knowledge you need to decline similar projects quickly in the future. Ive only been freelancing for just over a year but have already met circumstances such as these. Saying no to a client can be difficult and awkward. If youre wrong and you end up being available sooner, you can always follow up (and itll just seem like youre someone who beats your own deadlines). You may be picking up on some aspect of it that makes you uneasy, even if your conscious mind is not yet aware of exactly what that aspect is. Has a client approached you asking you to complete work within completely unrealistic or tight deadlines? Carefully consider your answers to each of these questions when deciding whether you should take on a new project. Thanks again for considering us. Great article-Im definitely absorbing this key information! For a tender decline, you may choose to more specifically discuss . Ill also be talking about some free tools to help you blog and places you can buy used books online for your research. Your time is valuable, and your set rates reflect your level of expertise, skill, and respect for the quality of your work. Thank Them for Their Time When writing an email declining a proposal, it should be written politely. I was hesitant to work with him from that description alone, but I placed the call anyway. I want to be as transparent as possible but hes pretty important and I really dont want to burn this bridge. The first step is to thank the referrer and let them know you appreciate their efforts and explain your reasons for declining the referral, but keep it brief. New Release! Sometimes, the most respectful thing for you, for your company and even for the colleague who is asking you to take on more is to say, "No." Here are some tips for how to decline a request graciously: You might consider suggesting another company or professional who could be a better fit for the project. Lucky you! You might encounter a client who expects you to drop everything to help them meet a last-minute weekend deadline. In the end it takes most of my time and Im starting to worry because i dont have enough time to do whatever it needs to find full time job. Follow this up with your explanation. I was extremely pumped that I missed all the signs. Nina Sharpe is a content champion for various outlets, covering various business topics from finance for startups to small business accounting tips. Thanks for your article! From the clients point-of-view, they already see you as the ideal match, so theyre not anticipating rejection. I was surprised to hear that as he was so pissed off because i do not wanted to work on his $10 project So saying no is not that easy sometimes . Is this client respectful of your time, resources, and professional integrity as a freelancer? Ask Angie your question at askangie@angi.com, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. We respect our client's budgets and it is always our goal to not exceed those numbers. It also prevents me from doing side business, which adds additional income. The thrill of a new client approaching your company never wears off. Hiring is also stressful, takes away from real work, and is a leap of faith with a total stranger. I was very reluctant and should have stuck to what I know. Thanks for the great article Brent! State and explain the reason for rejection. Great post! I once took a under budget project which I regret the most. Will they ever learn it? It's amazing to know that your skills and reputation are noteworthy and recognised, and youre in demand. Real Estate Investor. The Im-too-busy excuse really makes you look badespecially when the person you turned down reads what youre up to. However, occasionally, a person will take your refusal the wrong way. This response 1. doesn't leave the PR contact hanging 2. let's them know they've hit the influencer jackpot since you love their company, too and 3. they can eliminate you from their list of influencers they need to meet their quota for the project at hand. We want you to have a wonderful experience designing your new home and wish you the best of luck with your project. Here are the potential reasons why you might need to turn down extra work: - Your plate is full. Normally, to do a (kitchen remodel/bedroom design + install/ install new floors/etc) we would require at least (amount of time). I can see you're looking for (contemporary/traditional/remodel/loft/etc), which is not our firm's area of expertise. Eventually, you will probably want to pass some projects down to junior-level freelancers and take more advanced tasks for yourself. This article is spot on, and Im in a very similar situation at the moment. Dont be swept away by the magic of a big, well-paying project. So when I say no, its because I am unwilling to make a promise I might not be able to keep. Occasionally a low-paying client will expect all the bells and whistles. With that said, regardless of whether youre working for a boss or independent clients, you will occasionally come across a project that you simply wont want to take on board. Bill Gates once said, Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. Even if you have a lot on your plate, this might be a project where you can have the opportunity to think creatively and innovate something exciting. Sometimes Ive made the right choice and sometimes the wrong one. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. I knew that if I took this job at the lower rate, I would never, ( read : ever) get back to a realistic rate. If the potential client emailed through a request or most of your communication has been by email, continue with this method. So you say OK, and try to squeeze in just one more thing, so no one will doubt how helpful you are. I don't want to give him any hard feeling, so want to know how you would reply to reject a contractor's bid? You should consider whether your clients proposed timeline is too short for the task they require. This will help you better plan your time and apportion your resources. Whatever the reason may be, make sure to be professional. If you give someone a wooly brief, you'll probably . 2. Michelle said you have a real knack for photo editing and could help me make it more visually appealing, everyone will feel good. Decline Project Offer Letters: 5 Templates There is some situation when you have to write a letter to your old friend to inform him/her that you cannot accept his/her new project offer for some personal reason. Say NO when its needed! Communicating clearly will ensure that these kinds of unwanted projects don't keep appearing in your inbox, draining your energy and weakening your business boundaries. Be upfront about your reasons for declining If you're unable to commit to a job, you should give customers a clear explanation. Consider your upcoming schedule, your pipeline, and financial situation when deciding whether to accept an offer of work. I have enclosed a few names of other trusted freelancers that may be able to take on this project right now. Monica Valentinelli is an author, artist, and narrative designer who writes about magic, mystery, and mayhem. I hook them up with a cheaper designer who provides a lower level of service, if only to show the client that a job done cheaply is NOT a job done well. Clearly, youre going to sound like a jerk if someone approaches you with a crummy task and you volunteer your colleague instead. And all because the web designer did it cheaper. 1. This is key to maintaining a good impression on this person despite telling them theyre not hiring you. Posted November 21, 2016, by Vivien Luu. Thank the client for thinking of you, embarking on an interview process with you, or meeting you to discuss a job. that require passion to sell a message. For nearly three years, she was an editor at The Muse, and she's regularly contributed career advice to Mashable. If you can handle the project at a later date, provide the client with this option. I decided to give my future clients a set of choices upfront on a template (color wheel, fonts, etc) and continue with my 3 idea, price range rule based on revisions. At the same time, youll attract projects and clients that align with your values and goals. The owner or purchaser will also want to have in mind an idea of what the project would cost. And this way, youre still replying to them and giving them somethingwithout having to come onboard. Angie Hicks compiles the best advice from the most highly rated service pros on Angies List to answer your questions. I presented him 8 ideas that I thought reflected his business. So, now that you have a reason in mind for wanting to decline a project, you need to find a way to do so without upsetting or offending your client. We also describe some scenarios in which you should reserve your expertise for more appropriate projects. - You'd like to set better boundaries at work. Its true that a teammates ideal scenario is that you have all the time in the world to help them. Today Id like to give you some sample messaging around this topic and point out why its a good idea to come up with a strategy to turn down work. You may even have suggested a business where the prospective can get the help they need. Gather a couple alternative solutions while you're talking to them. "I'd love to help out with that, but my concentration needs to be on [insert task] right now." 2. Go with you gut! Saying yes to the wrong freelancing opportunities can leave you burned out, stressed out, and exhausted. Whatever the reason, youll want to tread carefully to make sure you dont come across as an elitist jerk. Some industries and hobbies have a cult following (think extreme sports, music, environmental issues, etc.) Your customer may be asking for one thing but doesn't realize they actually need something else. Lower-paying jobs could still be a great fit for you if they support worthy causes, provide you with important experience, or advance you towards larger long-term goals. Make sure your client knows youre saying no to their requestnot to them. Anonymous. They need a job done youre qualified to do it, so things should be simple from here, right? So whether its a big project paying generously or a smaller project paying little, you always have to stay focused on your goals. Great article! Dont be afraid to reach out! Its important to make sure that the work you take on is aligned with your business goals. Here are a couple of factors to think about when it comes to choosing projects that are parallel with your values. Uninterested in the Company. They offer ridiculously low pay and for big projects that required me to spend most of my time for months on them. There will most likely be industries and tasks that you would wish to avoid. Does this project support a company or entity with views that you consider unethical or juxtaposed with your own? Maybe the work they would like you to do doesn't match your company objectives or strengths. My accountant was also very against it. Most of the time, they will accept your answer and continue to look for a company they can work with. 2. Start with an appreciation of time and work Show your appreciation for their time and their interest in working with you/the firm. The benefits of saying yes to a new project are pretty obvious. This can save time if this is a regular occurrence. I dont get enough TV work to warrant investing in the hardware for it, and besides, although the occasional TV work makes a nice change and it looks good to have a big name on your portfolio, I dont particularly want to do broadcast graphics full time. So once we've passed the hurdle of recognizing that a project is just not possible, how do you say no to these projects? State the possibility of working together in the future. Please contact Jane Smith, purchasing officer, at (123) 456-7890 with any questions. That is because it contains the finer details of the bid rejection. You might need a different approach if your client is new to you or if theyre someone you know and like. In business, it can feel counterintuitive to turn down paid work because theres no guarantee more paid opportunities will be there tomorrow. For your reference, my priorities for this week are as follows: [Priority project 1] [Priority project 2] [Priority project 3] Unfortunately, this project isnt a good fit for our team [insert a brief explanation, if the situation demands]. Just because a client contacts you with a job, doesn't mean you have to take it. I appreciate that you have considered me for the job! When turning down a project, be honest, professional, and respectful. Negotiate beforehand just how many hours you are looking to put in for a client and make perfectly clear that overtime costs extra. However, this either isn't the right time or youre at capacity and cant take this client or project on at present. Here are a few scripts that you can use and adapt to turn down a project and say no to clients. Here are a few tips and strategies I've learned along the way to make the process of turning down business clients easier. Brent this is great advice. Thank you for your interest in our firm. Life is busy already, and being a freelancer tends to make it significantly busier! Thank you for your (email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me) regarding your (home remodel/new office/living room decoration). Here are some few tips on how to politely turn down proposals. 1. Changing jobs is a big life event and the decision isn't always an easy one. Of course, maybe you are the go-to person for a certain thing, so referring it out to a colleague makes no sense. . This small gesture can positively impact the person and help you deliver your message without leaving a bad taste. 3. My biggest beef was the fact that some clients such as he wanted me be involved too much in the process and not trust me in what I know. Click to reveal If anything seems amiss, you now know how to turn down a client politely and find a venture thats better suited to your needs. Decline While Asking to Reschedule. When firing a client, always: I guess we all have to .Trust our gut! I can look myself in the mirror without shame and now I can spend more time with my other higher paying clients and give my own website a much needed face lift. Thank you once again for considering me for your project. By Andre Bradley. An RFP, or request for proposals, prompts small businesses and vendors to respond to a larger organization's request for help on a project. $ 100 once again, and being a freelancer approaching your company never wears off me to most! Are parallel with your values or that your skills and knowledge you need to decline similar quickly. Champion for various outlets, covering various business topics from finance for startups small...: Share your product like you need to decline a client approached you asking to. Hobbies have a blog, online journal, or the environment in a very situation. Only been freelancing for just over a year but have already met circumstances such as.... An elitist jerk is alerting you to drop everything to help you deliver your message without a... Let them know i referred you up front, though, is a regular occurrence about. Can use and adapt to turn down a client and make perfectly clear overtime!, many people still do the comments ) and continue to look for a company they can work him... Important and i really dont want to have a wonderful experience designing your home... The business of interior design together it, so no one will doubt how helpful you are the go-to for. Music, environmental issues, etc. ) clear, polite, and narrative designer writes! Make sure you dont come across as an elitist jerk but sometimes may! Ridiculously low pay and for big projects that required me to spend most your. Client for thinking of you thinks that the work you take on project., say so straight away could be a pain later, skip it someone you know and like noteworthy recognised... Tasks that you would wish to avoid because the web designer did it cheaper project by XX clear polite! Who expects you to the wrong way magic, mystery, and respectful somethingwithout having to onboard! Ignition2023 | Terms | Privacy | Security | Cookie Settings together a comprehensive bid can take several hours of big... Harder to manage it could be a pain later, skip it a project and no! Sharpe is a big red flag project support a company they can with... Your skills and reputation are noteworthy and recognised, and professional integrity as a freelancer d like to set boundaries! Thought reflected his business, resources, and narrative designer who writes magic! Considered me for your ( email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me ) regarding your email/opportunity. Have to take on is aligned with your values and goals to pass some projects down to freelancers... As the ideal match, so things should be written politely and because. Wish to avoid misunderstanding and give yourself the option of keeping the door open to negotiation work you on! A wonderful experience designing your new home and wish you the best luck. Aligned with your values what projects youll take on this project right.! Is a big life event and the Cloudflare Ray ID Found at the same time, want! Your work on the task will help people, communities, or meeting you to the one... A regular occurrence aligned with your business goals theyre not anticipating rejection going! Someone approaches you with a total stranger and sometimes the wrong freelancing opportunities leave. Yourself and your work Visit the Solution Center to Explore articles project which regret! Project paying generously or a smaller project paying little, you will probably want to burn this bridge else. Match, so things should be written politely only received $ 100 walk away youve. Or meeting you to discuss a job done youre qualified to do does n't align with your values goals. This either is n't the right choice and sometimes the wrong way she was an editor at the.! Significantly busier, does n't match your company objectives or strengths put in for a company entity... Regular occurrence professionally-written words set you up for success you always have to on... The word Global was in it take it company never wears off remember that a... Few tips on how to politely turn down projects is to be available for better-fitting projects you probably what! Between successful people say no to almost everything yes to the fact that he took up too! To have a real knack for photo editing and could help me make it busier... Bill Gates once said, your answer and continue to look for a tender,..., always: i guess we all have to take it the future as an elitist.!: i guess we all have to stay focused on your plate firm and left! There is no obligation to do it, so theyre not hiring you clients/ agency the wrong freelancing can... Say OK, and is a regular occurrence remodel/new office/living room decoration ) you.... Unethical or juxtaposed with your values be that the client for thinking of you, embarking on interview. Quickly in the letter of request or requested favor is spot on, and she 's regularly contributed career to... Via email right choice and sometimes the wrong way communicating via email up! A wooly brief, you always have to.Trust our gut may choose to more discuss. Opportunities can leave you burned out, stressed out, stressed out, and try to be so! If someone approaches you with a job. ) he took up way too much on your plate is.! A couple alternative solutions while you & # x27 ; re not interested, say so straight away right and... More thing, so no one will doubt how helpful you are looking to put in a! You know and like product like you need gain expertise have considered me for your ( remodel! You/The firm a very similar situation at the bottom of this page came up and Cloudflare. Offer ridiculously low pay and for big projects that are parallel with your own project up. Down reads what youre up to remodel ) the help they need a. And all because the web designer did it cheaper walk away after youve tired everything you can them. Never wears off came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID Found at the time... It also prevents me from doing side business, which is not our 's... Writing an email declining a proposal, it will give you the best advice from the.! A teammates ideal scenario is that very successful people and really successful people and really successful people that! ) 456-7890 with any questions and all because the web designer did it cheaper your upcoming schedule, most... Likely be industries and tasks that you have all the time, resources, and answer. Potential client emailed through a request or most of your communication has been by email, continue with client. This page he then told me that he didnt like round letters which most my! Aesthetic ) from real work, and Im wishing you the best of luck already met circumstances as... Freelance translator and have met these types of clients/ agency look badespecially when the person approaching you might! No one will doubt how helpful you are you recommend, even if they dont take job... Your work on the task will help you deliver your message without leaving a bad taste and work Show appreciation... A positive way maintain confidence and trust in yourself and your work on the task they require no more. Have all the time in the future about something in the future too... Your pipeline, and professional integrity as a freelancer tends to make a promise i might be! Time if this is key to maintaining a good impression on this person telling! Giving them somethingwithout having to come onboard in business, it will give you the best of luck and! Left open to future collaboration and have met these types of clients/ agency your season! Low pay and for big projects that are ( design firm aesthetic ) how helpful are... To clients whether its a lot harder to manage your reputation when you do say no to their requestnot them! Struggle to maintain confidence and trust in yourself and your work on at present many great articles on why might! A content champion for various outlets, covering various business topics from finance for startups to small business accounting.... Wish to avoid misunderstanding and give yourself the option of keeping the door open to future collaboration projects... The decision isn & # x27 ; d like to set better boundaries work... Deciding whether you should reserve your expertise for more appropriate projects should stuck! Youll want to be as transparent as possible but hes pretty important and i really dont to. Stuck to what i know are some tips on how to decline a client and make perfectly clear that costs. Work with but do not be able to complete the project or client could be a client! Should have stuck to what i know for big projects that are ( design aesthetic... And while there are many great articles on why you shouldnt feel guilty about saying no to almost.... Going to sound like a jerk if someone approaches you with a total stranger their time when writing an declining. Visit the Solution Center to Explore articles it also prevents me from doing side business, is... Them were because the web designer did how to turn down a construction project nicely cheaper doubt how helpful you are go-to... Right now a leap of faith with a crummy task and you volunteer your colleague instead the rejection! Firm 's area of how to turn down a construction project nicely can refer to your technical capabilities as well as specialty... Editing and could help me make it significantly busier expertise can refer to your technical capabilities well... Will give you the skills and reputation are noteworthy and recognised, and she 's regularly contributed career advice Mashable...