If you’re just starting out in the world of freelance web design, it may be hard to imagine that you would ever want to turn down a paying client. I’ll admit it is certainly easier to do when the coffers are full, but there are some times when you should at least consider turning down a project, even if you are a little short on cash. Still can’t picture it? Maybe these scenarios will help.

Personality Clash With The Client

It hasn’t happened often, but I have had times when I was on the phone with a potential client and realized I really did not enjoy talking to this person. If I accepted this project, I would be forced to communicate with this person on an ongoing basis. Then I remembered that this was one of the reasons I became my own boss: to walk away from these situations.

No Clear Requirements For Project

I feel some sympathy for clients who don’t really know what they want or need in a web site. After all they don’t spend day in and day out looking at examples of web sites to stay on top of the latest trends in design and features. But just because I feel sympathetic doesn’t mean that I want them as my clients. You can certainly suggest a set of requirements you think will fit their needs, but if a client insists you work something up for them because they really need to see something to help them figure out what they want I advise you politely walk away.

Project Is Too Far Outside Your Area of Expertise

Sometimes a project that is just past the edge of what you already know can be a great learning experience. If you take on a project that is too far outside your comfort zone, there’s no telling what you’ll get. When developing new skills, you don’t know with a great deal of certainly how long it’s going to take you to become proficient. Can you meet the customer’s deadline?

You Want To Move Away From That Type of Work

Just because a great client comes to you with work that you can easily handle doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Businesses are constantly growing and changing. If there’s a new direction you want to take your business, it may require phasing out the type of work you used to do.

Can’t Meet Deadline

Sometimes a client needs work done in a time frame that you can’t meet. Although you could decide you want to put in some extra hours during the evenings and weekends, that can be a slippery slope. If your missing birthdays and the lawn hasn’t been mowed in a month, it’s definitely time to start telling new clients no.

Build a Relationship With a Competitor

I’ve previously mentioned the benefits of collaborating with someone who isn’t quite a competitor. This practice isn’t always the same as turning work down. It does require that you cede some of the control that we freelancers often protect quite fiercely. Even if someone is a true competitor, it can be helpful to float a test project or two their direction to find out how reliable they are. When you do end up turning work down, it’s good for this one client (and your reputation) if you can provide the name of a quality back up.

filed under: Running a Business