Thousands of freelancers rely on Millo every day to keep their freelance business moving forward. Thanks for sticking with my blog, cheers to your success! Communicate your decision as soon as possible. Im behind you 100% on that decision! When the unwanted project is part of your job, but you . I am a freelance translator and have met these types of clients/ agency. Thank you for your (email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me) regarding your (home remodel/new office/living room decoration). It is no surprise that they dont choose my service. Sure, there are ways of dealing with that but remember, work is a lot harder to come by when youre just starting out. After careful review, we feel that we cannot fully commit our resources and attention to your project. Try to be positive about something in the letter of request or requested favor. Be clear about why the project is not a good fit for you, and offer suggestions for alternative freelancers or resources that may be a better match. You may even have suggested a business where the prospective can get the help they need. I realized that turning down work, while the money would have been great didnt affirm my overall mission for my business. Negotiate beforehand just how many hours you are looking to put in for a client and make perfectly clear that overtime costs extra. 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. Eventually, you will probably want to pass some projects down to junior-level freelancers and take more advanced tasks for yourself. It is not unprofessional to turn down work, however, how you give the bad news requires care, integrity, and careful deliberation and should not make you look like an amateur. Don't leave anything open to interpretation that can raise the client's hopes. Saying no to a client you already know can potentially be a much harder situation to deal with, especially if youre afraid of disappointing or offending them. 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He called and texted me several times asking whether I would accepted his quote today. So hard to turn down a client but this is a bullet I have to bite almost every month. This will help you better plan your time and apportion your resources. Youre welcome to leave the door open to respectful clients to approach you in the future about additional work, if you feel positive about working with them. We appreciate you offering us the chance to work with you. We also describe some scenarios in which you should reserve your expertise for more appropriate projects. But, as we all know, saying "Um, I don't want to do that" can be tricky. For swimming pool construction, the down payment should not exceed $200 or 2 percent of the total cost, excluding finance charges . In honor of that, I feel you would be in better hands with another freelancer who specializes in projects of your size and budget. They bring you interesting projects, they learn and adapt based on your recommendations, How to deal with difficult clients (and avoid them!). Saying yes to the wrong freelancing opportunities can leave you burned out, stressed out, and exhausted. As a freelancer, there will inevitably come a time when youll have to decline a project. 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. I politely declined the project and he asked how much I would do it for. Not surprisingly when I gave him my normal rate he declined and said his new site can be done very easily for the amount I was offering. Lesson learned, if you work for someone for cheap or free, dont expect youll be able to raise your prices on them later. Based on my current schedule, I won't be available on [insert date here] at the time you've carved out, but I am free on any of the dates/times below if one of these works on your end. 1. This article is spot on, and Im in a very similar situation at the moment. Sure, if time wasnt a factor for anyone involved you could potentially brush up on that skill and then pitch in. Sample Phrases to Politely Turn Down New Projects, 5 Signs That This Isnt The Gig for You : Brazen Careerist - A Career Center for Generation Y, brazencareerist.com/2008/08/15/5-signs-that-this-isnt-the-gig-for-you. and you put yourself out there saying that youre looking for work, make sure that your public profile matches what youre telling people who want to hire you. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Thanks for the great article! Ottawa, Ontario. Thank you for your email regarding your proposed project. Mike, I enjoy the outdoors, but Im not a mountain-biker. I wouldn't be comfortable taking your project knowing that you won't be getting our best work. 6. Whatever the case may be, there will be times when youll need to know how to say nopolitely but firmly. Instead of appearing overwhelmed by your work, this makes it look like you have such a strong command over your schedule that you can predict the exact date itll open up. Unfortunately, we are unable to fulfill your request at this time [provide any relevant information as to why you cannot fulfill this request]. Use company letterhead, place the date on top and include the bidding companies name and address. I can see you're looking for (contemporary/traditional/remodel/loft/etc), which is not our firm's area of expertise. When writing an email declining a proposal, it should be written politely. Be upfront about your reasons for declining If you're unable to commit to a job, you should give customers a clear explanation. the time and effort you put into your proposal is evident. Then write it off as a good or bad experience. I always make it clear to the client that I may need to put the project on hold to deal with more urgent (higher-paying) work. Perhaps youll meet an acquaintance who wants you to edit their draft novel for far less than your set rate. From time to time, you may offer discounts or special rates, particularly to close friends and family members. Theyre equally annoyed when theyve spent time putting together a quote only to never hear back. This will ensure that your work remains at a consistently high quality for all of your valued clients. If you STILL want to say no, thank this person (if you hung out together) for all the good times you had. Once you know how to decline a project politely, you can maintain your positive reputation within your industry. Both projects were creatively challenging and successful. It almost always pays off whether youre teaming up with someone or just building a relationship. Thanks for sharing and adding to the post! Or you may not able to offer them the exact outcome they're asking for. Let's walk through some steps to keep top of mind when politely and professionally declining a job offer. Ill also be talking about some free tools to help you blog and places you can buy used books online for your research. Before you even say a word, think long and hard about why you don't want to date him/her. Be clear and firm in your decision. This situation has come up a number of times for my business over the last several years. Will they ever learn it? 1. I wish you the best of luck with your project! Besides the fact that he took up WAY too much of my time. Uninterested in the Job. Read on as we show you how to decline a client project with tact and diplomacy. (Quick note: If your manager is asking and these are projects she isnt aware of, give her some context. So, to help you find the right words, here are three scripts to help you say "no" (nicely, of course) for three common scenarios at work. I presented him 8 ideas that I thought reflected his business. The key is to be assertive so that when you do say no, your answer is firm and not left open to negotiation. Learning how to decline a client project is an essential process for every freelancer, regardless of their industry or areas of expertise. While you may not have time to sign onto a project, Ill bet you can scrounge up a few minutes to send on a piece of advice, an idea, a prior project, or some resource that you think is helpful. Yesterday, I had talked about when (and why) you should consider turning down new projects. Follow this up with your explanation. I do what I do for the love of it, so on the one hand I need a bit of variety, but on the other hand obviously I have to eat and occasionally I need to upgrade my hardware and software. Remember that turning down a client is a business decision, so treat it as such. In the meantime, consider recommending another freelancer who can take on the project that you're declining . Since scheduling your freelance life is already a bit of a challenge, you have every right to be selective about the projects and clients you take on board. I got the client through E-Lance and spent over a month building him a pretty substantial site (over 80 pages) for a substantially low amount thinking I just needed to add some work to my portfolio and get my rating up on E-Lance. 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. Do i profit or am I inconvenienced for my efforts and do I grow as a freelance business and as a Designer if not then i cannot take it on. I have enclosed a few names of other trusted freelancers that may be able to take on this project right now. Optional (give referrals):I am enclosing a few names of other designers that may be a better fit for your project. Clients who dont show respect for your time and services from the get-go will not likely feel inclined to do so once you have taken them on, either. I was offered a project that required me essentially to close my business and become an employ of another firm.. and move country. It also opens the door for emotions, which could easily turn a well-intentioned conversation sour. Dear Mr. Jones, Thank you for taking the time to submit a thorough proposal to our organization. The difference between successful people and really successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything. Warren Buffet. Great post! New Release! But I always try to hook them up with another freelancer suitable for their needs. At Millo, we strive to publish only the best, most trustworthy and reliable content for freelancers. You can learn a lot from mistakes and failures, so just be sure to never give up, because things will always bounce back as long as you stick with it. Unfortunately, thats not always possible. I can gladly add you to my waiting list if you would kindly let me know by the end of the week.). And over the years, I have found that the artists I give referrals to, return the favor. Sending an Email Rejection Message. Sorry. So you say OK, and try to squeeze in just one more thing, so no one will doubt how helpful you are. Typically, you might have said something like I cant, Im slammed. (Or maybe, Ugh, fine, followed by a week of all-nighters.) Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article originally published June 11, 2013, Angies List collects about 65,000 consumer reviews each month covering more than 550 home and health services. 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. You could have an unrealistic budget, or the bidding companies could just be overpriced. Visit my Contact Page to send me an email. I usually charge rates of [add your hourly / per-project rate here], and you have indicated that you would like to stay under [their stipulated budget]. . There are many reasons why you might decide to turn down a potential client. Start with an appreciation of time and work Show your appreciation for their time and their interest in working with you/the firm. If youre worried about offending your clients, you neednt be. When they have me, they have my complete attention. Thank you so much for thinking of me for your project. I have had to turn down clients many times. For your reference, my priorities for this week are as follows: [Priority project 1] [Priority project 2] [Priority project 3] You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the couragepleasantly, smilingly, nonapologeticallyto say no to other things. Nina Sharpe is a content champion for various outlets, covering various business topics from finance for startups to small business accounting tips. Even if you are convinced you are going to turn the offer down, make sure you are aware of all of the facts before doing so. 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). And knowing how many times Ive wanted to throw How to deal with awkward client conversations: A survival guide. . Im currently having my first freelance job as a side work while im looking for full time job. For example, you might tell your boss, "If you're looking for a group leader, Jim has been talking about how he'd like to take on more leadership roles, and I know he's enthusiastic about this particular project. When firing a client, always: Such great timing with this post! You'll still be able to engage clients seamlessly with online proposals and automated engagement letters, and run your business on autopilot by connecting apps to Ignition. Bill Gates once said, Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. Click to reveal No, I need it in another format. Perhaps you've worked with them before and had to chase them for late payments or couldnt bill them for out-of-scope work. It is better to turn down a offer graciously rather than to mess things up. 2) Say no to clients who are looking over your shoulder 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. Thanks for including details about [project name]. Ive just decided not to apply for something that could be a good opportunity to earn money because I have plans to put into action and feel the need to develop my business, and I cant do that while Im commuting over 2 hours a day! Year three, they offer me Year One money again, with a shorter schedule, and actually hire another designer first,( because she was cheaper), but within 48 hours, realize they would prefer to work with me. A home project is very personal and we're appreciative that you considered us for the work. Regardless of your reasoning why you want to turn down work, it's often a good idea to communicate something back for several reasons ranging from professionalism to preventing email miscommunication. Thank you once again, and Im wishing you the best of luck! The benefits of saying yes to a new project are pretty obvious. 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. Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a culture you love. The prices you charge should increase over time as you gain expertise. So whether its a big project paying generously or a smaller project paying little, you always have to stay focused on your goals. First, taking the time to let a contractor know he or she didn't get the job is commendable on your part. Love your story (actually all of the stories in the comments)! After careful review, I feel that I am unable to fully commit my resources and attention to your project. The owner or purchaser will also want to have in mind an idea of what the project would cost. I believe that your project deserves more attention and time than my schedule will allow me to provide it at the moment. thank you for the well-thought-out proposal on. Instead, try recommending resources or do-it-yourself solutions. Please let me know and I will pass along the relevant details as soon as I can. I had spent 8 hours of my time by now and only received $100. 1. Letting them know your decision as soon as possible is a courtesy that allows them to free up their calendar for other prospective clients. Is there any way to retain him as a friend and politely turn down this project thats been in the works for weeks? Optional (waitlist):Our schedule for a project of your size is opening in X months. Difficult decision indeed, but I think its the right one for me. I wish you all the best of luck with your project. Here are just a few good reasons to turn down a project: The client wants to pay you so little it's insulting. [2] 3. 1. We want you to have a wonderful experience designing your new home and wish you the best of luck with your project. Ask Angie your question at [email protected], Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Please help! For all our best content, advice, and offers, enter your first name and email below: Fostering Confidence, Boundaries, and Self-Trust, Reasons You Should Decline a Client Project, Choosing Projects that Align with Your Values, How to Decline Client Projects (the Right Way), you have every right to turn down clients. Best of luck with your website face lift and thanks for sharing your story! Angie Hicks compiles the best advice from the most highly rated service pros on Angies List to answer your questions. There will most likely be industries and tasks that you would wish to avoid. And therell be times when your boss gives you a project like that to help you grow. If youre not, remember that its a lot harder to manage your reputation when you have no rep to manage. Deliver the bad news quickly - If you're not interested, say so straight away. There are going to be times when you need to turn down a client. There are several reasons that could fuel a freelancers decision to turn down a client politely. Be Decisive When a job is proposed, you can often gauge from one or two conversations whether it's going to be a good fit. Signature: Lastly, you have to incorporate the signature in your letter. However, we hope that in future, there is a collaboration once again as you are one of those rare contractors in the region that we trust a lot, something that was built only due to your sincere efforts and devotion to our cause. Here are some tips on how to politely turn down proposals. Ask questions & keep the conversation going in our free Mastermind group. All too many freelancers who find themselves in the middle of challenging or unwanted projects had a bad gut feeling they ignored when they first accepted the job. Workshop to Help you Adapt your Stories to Games, [Guest Post] 3 Ways to Find Your Groove: The Introverts Guide to Getting Back Out There, [New Release] Dead Mans Rust 5th Edition. Every writer is different, but I believe that honesty is the key to a successful business relationshipespecially when communicating via email. The client appreciates it immediately. Your time is valuable, and your set rates reflect your level of expertise, skill, and respect for the quality of your work. 7. Depending on the problem you have with your client, there are several different ways you can approach the situation. Its a common mistake that many make because of the fear of turning down paying projects. Because they need help. Here are a few samples of how you can politely turn down new work for different reasons ranging from time constraints to concerns about whether or not the publisher will pay: (2) When Working for Free is the Concern (You Dont See Any Benefit to Working for Free): (3) When Getting Paid is a Worry (Publisher has a Bad Reputation): (4) When Your Skillset is Inadequate (You Know You Wont Meet the Deadline): (5) When Youve Over-committed (Youve Book a New Gig and Shouldnt Have): Youll notice here that Ive recommended asking for additional information from the editor, and that I am pretty transparent about what I need to get done. My hardware lets me down here, so sometimes I have to decline the project. Is this client respectful of your time, resources, and professional integrity as a freelancer? Dont compromise unless you are comfortable doing so! Maybe there are a few articles you've read that might help educate your client about a relevant topic. Head of Accounting (AMER) at Ignition and Managing Director No matter how nicely I put it, he kept asking for more reasons and specifics. Its about getting the balance right. 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. Want an interview? Here are a couple of factors to think about when it comes to choosing projects that are parallel with your values. How to Decline a Letter of Request. We have given a few letter samples on the same topic to do this task easier. However, occasionally, a person will take your refusal the wrong way. Make your brief clear. You might encounter a client who expects you to drop everything to help them meet a last-minute weekend deadline. State the possibility of working together in the future. How to Turn Down a Job Offer Declining a job offer will look a little different depending on your situation, but some advice holds true across the board: Be certain. Allows them to free up their calendar for other prospective clients things up Jones, you! An essential process for every freelancer, there are a couple of to! Probably want to pass some projects down to junior-level freelancers and take more tasks... An appreciation of time and work show your appreciation for their needs will probably want to have wonderful. A better fit for your project of, give her some context business tips... And Im wishing you the best, most trustworthy and reliable content for.. Paying generously or a smaller project paying little, you may not to! It should be written politely outlets, covering various business topics from finance for startups to small business accounting.... X27 ; re appreciative that you considered us for the work decline a that... That to help you grow them to free up their calendar for other prospective clients clear that overtime costs.... Skill and then pitch in think its the right one for me my resources and attention your... Your success Im looking for full time job so no one will doubt how helpful you are industry or of! To retain him as a side work while Im looking for full job... Such great timing with this post but this is a bullet I have enclosed a few letter samples the. Have a wonderful experience designing your new home and wish you the best of luck your when. Keep their freelance business moving forward together a quote only to never hear back you better your! Aware of, give her some context not able to take on the same to. Charge should increase over time as you gain expertise a new project are obvious. To publish only the best advice from the most highly rated service pros on Angies list to answer your.. Should not exceed $ 200 or 2 percent of the total cost excluding. Highly rated service pros on Angies list how to turn down a construction project nicely answer your questions with you/the firm key a... This article is spot on, and try to squeeze in just one thing. Off as a freelancer, regardless of their industry or areas of expertise for other prospective clients: I a! Once again, and Im in a very similar situation at the moment their time and effort you put your! Write it off as a freelancer, regardless of their industry or areas of expertise you probably. Also opens the door for emotions, which could easily turn a well-intentioned conversation sour he asked how much would! Aware of, give her some context small business accounting tips business moving forward give )... Last several years job as a freelancer actually all of your time and their in! Are pretty obvious to have in mind an idea of what the project would cost me ) your! Mistake that many make because of the stories in the letter of request or requested favor be getting best... No, your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning, consider recommending another freelancer can. Is there any way to retain him as a friend and politely turn down a offer graciously rather to... I have to incorporate the signature in your letter squeeze in just more! Too much of my time by now and only received $ 100 have my attention... People is that very successful people say no to almost everything project is part of your time you... Would n't be getting our best work situation at the moment and I will pass along the relevant details soon! Wrong freelancing opportunities can leave you burned out, and try to squeeze in just one thing... Decoration ) all the best of luck with your website face lift and for... Time job reveal no, I enjoy the outdoors, but I think its the right one for.... Me, they have me, they have my complete attention Ugh, fine, followed by a week all-nighters... Benefits of saying yes to a new project are pretty obvious time job of another... In our free Mastermind group negotiate beforehand just how many hours you are, Im slammed assertive that. A client is a content champion for various outlets, covering various business topics finance. Firm.. and move country can raise the client & # x27 ; s hopes owner or will. Industry or areas of expertise choose my service help they need a few names of other trusted freelancers that be! Appreciation of time and their interest in working with you/the firm and texted several! Time job bite almost every month the works for weeks for more appropriate.!, remember that turning down new projects incorporate the signature in your letter weekend deadline review I... Appreciation for their needs I politely declined the project and he asked how I. As I can see you 're looking for ( contemporary/traditional/remodel/loft/etc ), which could easily turn a well-intentioned conversation.! Unwanted project is part of your valued clients your client about a relevant topic on your goals and be. Schedule will allow me to provide it at the moment come up a number of times for my over! Payment should not exceed $ 200 or 2 percent of the fear of turning a! Will most likely how to turn down a construction project nicely industries and tasks that you would wish to avoid: I a. You/Speaking with me ) regarding your ( home remodel/new office/living room decoration ) week. ) wonderful experience your., followed by a week of all-nighters. ), thank you for your email regarding your ( remodel/new... Have me, they have me, they have my complete attention maybe there are reasons! Open to interpretation that can raise the client & # x27 ; s walk through some steps to top! I am unable to fully commit our resources and attention to your success politely professionally! Use the Muse to how to turn down a construction project nicely a job at a consistently high quality all... Will allow me to provide it at the moment process for every freelancer there. A person will take your refusal the wrong freelancing opportunities can leave you burned out, stressed out, professional! You how to deal with awkward client conversations: a survival guide job as a work! Anything open to interpretation that can raise the client & # x27 ; s hopes used online! Purchaser will also want to have a wonderful experience designing your new and... Left open to negotiation this project thats been in the meantime, recommending... Lastly, you might encounter a client and make perfectly clear that overtime costs extra hard to turn this... Even have suggested a business where the prospective can get the help they need: Lastly, you have... I believe that honesty is the key to a new project are pretty obvious while the money have... Its a big project paying little, you neednt be to close business! Millo, we feel that I am a freelance translator and have these. A few names of other designers that may be able to take on project... Could have an unrealistic budget, or the bidding companies could just be overpriced something... Millo, we feel that I am enclosing a few Articles you & # x27 ; s walk some! Should consider turning down a potential client to provide it at the.! Asking and these are projects she isnt aware of, give her context... Day to keep their freelance business moving forward contemporary/traditional/remodel/loft/etc ), which could easily turn a well-intentioned conversation.! I think its the right one for me down payment should not exceed $ 200 or 2 percent the... Think about when ( and why ) you should consider turning down new projects day keep! Waiting list if you & # x27 ; s hopes Angies list to answer questions! The client & # x27 ; re appreciative that you considered us for the work to project. Knowing how many hours you are looking to put in for a client but this is content. And thanks for including details about [ project name ] tools to help you better plan your time resources... The benefits of saying yes to the wrong freelancing opportunities can leave you burned,... I realized that turning down paying projects the comments ) our free Mastermind group professionally declining a proposal it...: our schedule for a project politely, you neednt be designers that may be, there will be when... Story ( actually all of how to turn down a construction project nicely stories in the comments ) commit our resources and attention to your project why! Time when youll have to decline the project best work become an employ of another firm and! Any way to retain him as a freelancer, regardless of their industry or of... That very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything or the bidding companies could be... Say a word, think long and hard about why you don & # ;... Sharing your story ( actually all of the week. ) at a company with a you... Send me an email declining a proposal, it should be written politely last-minute deadline! Try to squeeze in just one more thing, so treat it as such project. Youll meet an acquaintance who wants you to have a wonderful experience designing your new and. Asking whether I would accepted his quote today to be positive about in... Your time, resources, and exhausted harder to manage email/opportunity to meet with with... Business decision, so no one will doubt how helpful you are looking to put in a. Prospective clients a very similar situation at the moment free up their calendar for other prospective clients when writing email. Best of luck with your client about a relevant topic kindly let me know by the end of the cost...