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Wow, thanks for the great responses.

I am going to let some things sink in tonight, but I might just tell them tomorrow that I don’t want to work with them anymore.

I did a few really nice screencast tutorials for them on how to use EE as the administration for their site - but their account has different privileges than my “super user” account does.  I guess I could be a nice guy and explain what else I have access to.  They’re using OpenX (phpAdsNew/OpenAds) as their ad serving software too, but I’ve been the one putting up the ads for them.

The whole thing just really leaves a bad taste in my mouth - and I’m the sort of person who tries to avoid conflict, so hopefully if I’m completely straightforward with them there won’t be a problem.

>>I am going to let some things sink in tonight, but I might just tell them tomorrow that I don’t want to work with them anymore.<<

I think you actually have a couple of options. One is just getting out, of course.

Part of having your own successful business is developing the skills you need to manage your clients EFFECTIVELY.

You could tell them something like:

“I’ve looked at what you sent me, and in my professional opinion, the design you’ve presented won’t serve the needs of your visitors. Here’s why.”

Then, explain why it’s crappy, in a professional manner, of course.

Then, say something like:

“I would be happy to submit a new design that I think will best serve your needs based on the additional criteria I see in your mock-up. The design estimate is $xxx. The implementation estimate is $xxx. Let me know if you’re interested.

If, in the end, you’re really set on using the mock-up you’ve sent me, you’ll need to find someone else to implement it. If that’s the case, please let me know, and I’ll send along the requisite login/password credentials to the areas of the site your new developer will need. I’ll also be available to do some consulting with your new person to get them up to speed, at my standard hourly rate.”

That way, you’ve set the parameters for what you’re willing to do, and what you’re not. You’ve offered to assist the new person (but not for free), so you haven’t exactly left them in the lurch. If you really don’t want to do it, set the fee quite high, which will likely scare them off. This way, it’s more of their decision, you’re not burning bridges behind you, and you’re leaving the door open to doing more work, but on your terms.

That’s really great advice, and a well-put way of telling them what I probably should tell them.

Thanks!

re: contracts, I googled and found a few sample contracts and then also visited a number of web design firms which had their contract templates online and copied and pasted from several resources to make mine. I just made a recent change to it and I’m sure it will evolve over time.

will also be checking out the links above.

Anyone willing to share what your typical contract looks like?

We use a modified version of AIGA’s Standard Form of Agreement for Design Services (at least for more projects).  For smaller projects AIGA has some advice + guidelines as well.

It is really a great nightmare dealing with clients who are expecting more at a less cost. Freelancers are not that dumb to play with ploys made by clients like this. We have to make a stand somewhere.

I just sent the client an email outlining the reasons I don’t think that the mock-up that they sent over is a good choice nor will it accurately serve their needs or their audience’s needs.  I also basically told them that if they do want me to do something new, there will be a fee, but if they want this new design of their own, they’ll have to get someone else to do it.

I didn’t give them an estimate on what I’d charge if I had to produce new work for them, but I’d really don’t know what all would be involved yet - or if I’d ever be able to get them on the same page as me.  It’s really difficult to judge someone’s goals when they’re constantly changing their mind and aren’t really clear about what they want to achieve.

Hopefully it was professional enough.  I’ve sort of gone out of my way to be professional throughout all of this, so I hope they understand…and I kind of hope they do decide to go with someone else!

That Andy Rutledge article was a good read.  I’ve definitely learned a lot from this experience.

Thanks again for the advice and tips!

Hopefully it was professional enough.  I’ve sort of gone out of my way to be professional throughout all of this, so I hope they understand…and I kind of hope they do decide to go with someone else!

It doesn’t sound like you are under any obligation with this client, or was-once-a-client.
If you really feel the need, just cut your losses. Will the client be a good reference from the previous work? You don’t get the chance to enjoy working with each and every client, but you certainly are not obligated to act as a sub-contractor on a design somebody else mocked up. If you sort of feel you discounted your work, and they want to get you to work on the cheap once again, show them your new standard rates, or generate a proposal for a new project if that’s what they want. Better still defend the current site and propose some updating.