YES, Sometimes it is better to say no to a client.
I can’t speak for all professions; I speak from my view, web development, and graphic design. We all have had this feeling, “will this work?” “Will this be a problem?” Should I say no to a client? The answer is a BIG yes. Some work is better not to take. Some may say that you should never say no to a client. Well, I’m afraid I have to disagree with that.
So when should you say no?
Of course, you have the most significant reason in time. If you feel that you can not have it ready in time, it should always be no. The client should never suffer from their ego to get as much as possible. It would be best to speak to the client to find out the timeframe and if there are any specific obligations.
Another reason is the level of work. Nobody knows everything, even if some people think they do. So if you feel that this is over your level, then say no. The client may come back to you with something else later. But for sure they will not be back if you say yes, then you do not manage to finish it in the way it should suppose to be.
Have the price have anything to do with a YES or NO to a client?
Yes, of course.
Depending on your business and workflow, it can be challenging to say no to a client. This is how we think and act when dealing with customers.
To start with, the client should not set the price. The client comes to us for expert help. That means they are not aware of what time is needed. This is a business deal, the buyer wants to pay as little as possible, and you want to charge as much as possible. Even if you think the client doesn’t know, you should NEVER overprice; you would not stay long in this business if you did.
We have in the 10+ years I worked with this, we never negotiated a price we have given. We have offered to split the payment over some time but never gone down in price. In some cases, we have offered a better price on second and third work from the same clients. But this has always been up to us.
Note; This is my experience, and all business is different. Of course, you need to do what feels suitable for your company.
