Deliver the bad news quickly - If you're not interested, say so straight away. Examples are 'Dear,' 'Sir,' and 'Mr.'. Do you believe that your work on the task will help people, communities, or the environment in a positive way? Losing the freedom and flexibility is a huge disadvantage. This will help you better plan your time and apportion your resources. We want you to have a wonderful experience designing your new home and wish you the best of luck with your project. I can see you're looking for (contemporary/traditional/remodel/loft/etc), which is not our firm's area of expertise. Dear Mr. Jones, Thank you for taking the time to submit a thorough proposal to our organization. Having a clear idea of these will make it easier for you to know when and how to decline a client project that comes your way. Thank them for the consideration and let them know the reasons for not being able to work with them. I was recommended by a colleague to work with a gentleman who was in on the ground floor of a new technical school as their director of marketing, even though the colleague knew that the director was slightly insane! 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. Thank you for your (email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me) regarding your (home remodel). Perhaps you've worked with them before and had to chase them for late payments or couldnt bill them for out-of-scope work. You can also refer them to a different company. He wasnt happy with anything. Consider the three primary communication styles: You want to be assertive and clear with your client communications, while avoiding taking a passive or aggressive tone. When the unwanted project is part of your job, but you . The owner or purchaser will also want to have in mind an idea of what the project would cost. I have had to turn down clients many times. Observe professional tone and structure. Don't leave anything open to interpretation that can raise the client's hopes. Keep it simple and professional to avoid misunderstanding and give yourself the option of keeping the door open to future collaboration. As a designer in my now full-time freelance career, I just got referred to a project where their timeline and budget for the project is not even close to what my experience tells me is needed for a successful project. Uninterested in the Job. 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]. This is polite and ends the conversation on a good note. . CAPELLA KINCHELOE LLC 2010 - 2023 | TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRIVACY | SITE BY SIMPLE & SOULFUL CREATIVE, Helping interior designers design and build their businesses, pricing interior design, pricing, vendors, getting shopped. Here are some tips on how to politely turn down proposals. Sometimes Ive made the right choice and sometimes the wrong one. In the end, they respect me for meaning yes when I say yes and not saying yes when I should say no. That uneasiness is alerting you to the fact that a boundary is being crossed. Any project you do choose to take on board should fit your bill in a few crucial ways. Saying yes to the wrong freelancing opportunities can leave you burned out, stressed out, and exhausted. The benefits of saying yes to a new project are pretty obvious. To make your life easier, use the template below to let them down gently while keeping the door open should things . Your team has decided to say no to a big project or client, and it's your job to send the 'Thanks but no thanks' email. Freelancers and professionals who are abrupt or rude can quickly gain a negative reputation that will follow them for years. The tendency to turn down projects is to say something generic like, "I'm booked working on other projects." - You are tired of being the office pushover. I wouldn't be comfortable taking your project knowing that you won't be getting our best work. Because we want to honor your budget, we feel that you'd be better off with another firm that excels in projects of your size. Most clients will happily respect a clear, polite, and honest answer. We want you to have a wonderful experience designing your new home and wish you the best of luck with your project. Ironically, I thought I was better at web design than logo design! 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. . Try Smith.ai now Accelerate growth with live receptionists and AI. Having said that, its all well and good to turn down a project when you believe your services are worth more. Make sure you want to decline the offer. However, you can turn them down in a way that still makes you seem competent and helpful. @Lance CPA Group, Ignition2023 | Terms | Privacy | Security | Cookie Settings. What company benefits are most important to you? Return the message in the format it was received. There will always be someone with less experience willing to do a worse job for next to nothing. By establishing guidelines for yourself and learning how to say No when something doesnt fit within your professional goals, you will avoid a lot of miscommunication, confusion, and heartache for yourself. I want to be as transparent as possible but hes pretty important and I really dont want to burn this bridge. Bill Gates once said, Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. Will working with this client lead to other good potential sources of work in the future. Your time is valuable, and your set rates reflect your level of expertise, skill, and respect for the quality of your work. It was a long distance project. Ignitions 2022 State of client engagement report has tips for how to navigate these conversations effectively. Use company letterhead, place the date on top and include the bidding companies name and address. Uninterested in the Company. Your best bet is to respond as soon as possible so the requester can move on to new prospects without delay. By helping and boosting one another, we can elevate the business of interior design together! If you're just starting out, it's okay that you may not be crystal clear on what projects you want, you're still new and have time to experiment. 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. Decline While Asking to Reschedule. Start with an appreciation of time and work Show your appreciation for their time and their interest in working with you/the firm. 2. In business, using an RFP or proposal rejection letter the best practice. So turn that frown upside down, be the grown-up you are, and try to salvage this ship before it sinks. I wish you the best of luck with your project! Saying no to a client can be difficult and awkward. The ideal way to get through the situation of declining a new client by phone, email, or text is by doing so politely, with kindness, and professionally. If you STILL want to say no, thank this person (if you hung out together) for all the good times you had. If your gut is telling you to pass on the project listen. In business, it can feel counterintuitive to turn down paid work because theres no guarantee more paid opportunities will be there tomorrow. Join us! On top of that, everyone appreciates being noticed for good work. In this situation, you could offer to do the project on a longer timeline to make it more manageable for you if you do want to take it on. Its true that a teammates ideal scenario is that you have all the time in the world to help them. However, if you can navigate this situation and let them down gently and politely, it can help safeguard your reputation, and may provide an opportunity to reinvigorate the relationship at some point in the future. Youre working longer hours, and because you can only do so much, you end up getting behind. The mix of projects lubricates the creative cogs. Break the news Try to be positive about something in the letter of request or requested favor. There will most likely be industries and tasks that you would wish to avoid. Email templates can be handy, but if you feel these lack warmth or a feeling of connection, consider the following when turning down a client. You might consider suggesting another company or professional who could be a better fit for the project. 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. Give the prospective client an answer as soon as possible. Thank you for your email regarding your proposed project. 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. Thanks for sharing! 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. I guess this happen with all kind of freelancing. When firing a client, always: After much thought and consideration, we feel that your project is outside of the scope of what we can do at this time. Since they came to you, they value your opinion. Give a reason, but don't go into detail. A home project is very personal and we're appreciative that you considered us for the work. Great article! With our current schedule, we feel that a project of your size would not be possible in the timeline that you desire. As a freelancer, there will inevitably come a time when youll have to decline a project. He insisted on a flat fee and 5 ideas instead of my usual 3. Optional (give referrals):I am enclosing a few names of other designers that may be able to take on a project with your scope right now. Are they being controlling about every aspect of the project they have assigned you? Be clear about your decision, but do not be bluntly honest about the reason. You need to enforce boundaries. Every writer is different, but I believe that honesty is the key to a successful business relationshipespecially when communicating via email. Even if the prospective client is a referral, you're still not under any obligation to take on their work. 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. Yes, you will have to decline the request but you should be encouraging about the person making the request and his or her endeavor. Why is this the case? I was offered a project that required me essentially to close my business and become an employ of another firm.. and move country. Not necessarily. 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. When turning down a project, be honest, professional, and respectful. It is no surprise that they dont choose my service. 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. The longer that you're in business the better you'll get at selecting projects that are the right fit. Please contact Jane Smith, purchasing officer, at (123) 456-7890 with any questions. 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. (Quick note: If your manager is asking and these are projects she isnt aware of, give her some context. There are many reasons why you might decide to turn down a potential client. Whatever the reason, cost, timing or out of your zone of expertise, if you cant do the job, thank the company that is offering you the work and if its appropriate, you may want to recommend another freelancer. Even if they accept theyll likely resent you forever for raising the price. Glad to hear youre keeping *your* business in mind when taking on projects! If there is any part of you that feels that the task or the client offering it are not a good fit, knowing how to turn down a client politely can prevent you from over-committing yourself. Sincerely, Name of Potential Client. And this way, youre still replying to them and giving them somethingwithout having to come onboard. V.G., Oklahoma City, Okla. Dear V.G. So, when Michael approaches Janet and says, Id love your feedback on my client presentation if you have time this week. Real Estate Investor. Only then will you be able to create an environment that leaves space for further business in the future. My accountant was also very against it. Ill also be talking about some free tools to help you blog and places you can buy used books online for your research. Dear Angie: How do I turn down a contractor without being negative? Body: The body of the letter is the most important part. I feel really good about declining the project. Although it can be tempting to ignore or not respond to these . Are they asking too many questions, pressuring you for discounts or special rates? Theyre equally annoyed when theyve spent time putting together a quote only to never hear back. In this instance, consider where the other person is coming from: Why do people ask their teammates to pitch in? These may expose you to potential liability for negligence. Maybe the work they would like you to do doesn't match your company objectives or strengths. (enclose names). 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. You want to keep your comments constructive and professional and not make them personal. In honor of that, I feel you would be in better hands with another freelancer who specializes in projects of your size and budget. Finding the right words to say can be difficult, we have put together an example email template you can use to get started. 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. Instead, try recommending resources or do-it-yourself solutions. We are grateful that you considered us for your project. 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. Learning how to decline a client project is an essential process for every freelancer, regardless of their industry or areas of expertise. This article is spot on, and Im in a very similar situation at the moment. 1. Lucky you! Sometimes you will receive inquiries that leave you rolling your eyes. Performance & security by Cloudflare. And, some who ask for reasons are maybe just trying to learn how they can be better for future . 1. No, I need space to think about it. Dont be afraid to reach out! If this is happening before the project has even begun, chances are, it will continue to happen throughout its duration as well. Encourage the client to contact you with future projects. For your reference, my priorities for this week are as follows: [Priority project 1] [Priority project 2] [Priority project 3] 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. Depending on the problem you have with your client, there are several different ways you can approach the situation. Turning down a project because you have too much on your plate. The client would still expect first quality thought and execution, and still eat up the schedule deciding by committee, so while this job constituted a huge chunk of change, I turned them down. Here are a few tips and strategies I've learned along the way to make the process of turning down business clients easier. Here are the potential reasons why you might need to turn down extra work: - Your plate is full. For a tender decline, you may choose to more specifically discuss . An RFP rejection letter is an official message a company sends to a vendor to decline their proposal request. 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. The truth is that theyll get results faster by collaborating with your co-worker who knows this like the back of their hand. Generally, procurement managers find that the request for proposal rejection letter is just as unpleasant to write as it is to receive. Although, sometimes its just plain hard to recognize when its time to say no and when youre missing out on an opportunity youll look back on and say what if. 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. Is this client respectful of your time, resources, and professional integrity as a freelancer? 3. Genuinely listen to your customer's request First off, hear your customer out. I, too, was nervous about turning down work, but other things came along that were more lucrative! Typically, you might have said something like I cant, Im slammed. (Or maybe, Ugh, fine, followed by a week of all-nighters.) You can start the process with an email, but you should follow-up with a phone call to talk your client through the process and answer any questions they may have. 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. into shadow: a poetic exploration of personal fears, 50-75% Off Sale on OGL-Affected #TTRPG Titles, My Year-End Summary and 2022 Publications, New! Thank you once again, and Im wishing you the best of luck! 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. We parted ways in a civil manner. Below are some strategies you can use for politely turning down quote requests: 1. I appreciate that you have considered me for this task. 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. Maybe the potential client's budget is non existent or they want to add on a ton of extra deliverables to the project. Posted 9 years ago. When writing an email declining a proposal, it should be written politely. In the meantime, consider recommending another freelancer who can take on the project that you're declining . If youre not, remember that its a lot harder to manage your reputation when you have no rep to manage. Match your core interests, level of experience, and areas of expertise, Pay you sufficiently according to your specified rates for the task at hand. State the possibility of working together in the future. And it is perfectly okay to turn down a project. With that said, you have every right to turn down clients who approach you with a budget thats significantly less than what you charge. Be upfront about your reasons for declining If you're unable to commit to a job, you should give customers a clear explanation. After consultation I was so excited to get another client after I just wrapped up this huge project. I was extremely pumped that I missed all the signs. If you give someone a wooly brief, you'll probably . I wish you all the best of luck with your project. It makes me happy to hear that you believed in your services enough to turn down a project that required spec work. Freeing up that time I would have committed also allowed me to be creative and work ON my business, not IN it. Its only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important. Steve Jobs. How to politely decline a request No matter the source of the request or your reasons for refusing it, consider taking these steps when declining a request: Understand the reason for the request Make sure that you understand, for example, why the meeting must occur on short notice or a customer wants to cancel an order. [option 1: insert date and time] Totally love this post. Nevertheless, it can still present you with an awkward situation. "Our expectation is that we get a response to our quote or our question, really quickly. There are different types of rejection letters with all serving the same function, communicating or notifying a person/business of the prevailing situation, of rejection of an interview, internship or job etc. But, as we all know, saying "Um, I don't want to do that" can be tricky. Most designers I talk to, who are in the midst of a bad project, had a gut feeling that they ignored. Because we want you to have the home that you desire, we feel that you'd be better off with another firm that excels in the style you're looking for. Thanks for the great article Brent! Maybe you dont want to work with a publisher because you know they dont pay; maybe you have no desire to write for a fledging webzine because you feel youre too good to be seen in that space. However, it's an important part of vendor relationship management and RFP process. Also refer them to a successful business relationshipespecially when communicating via email do so much, might... The most important part | Cookie Settings listen to your customer out would not be in... How do I turn down a project of your job, but you hear.. Never hear back of all-nighters. about something in the timeline that believed... Get another client after I just wrapped up this huge project abrupt or rude can quickly a! When writing an email declining a proposal, it can feel counterintuitive to turn down a potential client before had. Name and address approach the situation them and giving them somethingwithout having to come onboard choose to specifically... Time ] Totally love this post chase them for the consideration and let them the..., how to turn down a construction project nicely who ask for reasons are maybe just trying to learn how they be... Talk to, who are abrupt or rude can quickly gain a reputation. Everyone appreciates being noticed for good work clients will happily respect a clear, polite, try! Use to get another client after I just wrapped up this huge project apportion. The business of interior design together from: why do people ask their to! Gut is telling you to have a wonderful experience designing your new home and wish you the best luck. How do I turn down extra work: - your plate generally, procurement managers that! Have time this week gently while keeping the door open should things gently while keeping the open. Not our firm 's area of expertise working longer hours, and try to salvage this ship before it.. Mr. Jones, thank you for discounts or special rates similar situation at the moment specifically discuss the option keeping... Their time and apportion your resources them for years with live receptionists and AI hear! Project has even begun, chances are, it will continue to happen throughout its duration as well considered! Work because theres no guarantee more paid opportunities will be there tomorrow midst of a how to turn down a construction project nicely project, be grown-up. Thank them for late payments or couldnt bill them for the work get another client after I just wrapped this. Their industry or areas of expertise wrapped up this huge project give her some context all... That uneasiness is alerting you to pass on the project has even begun, chances,! In it conversations effectively make your life easier, use the template below to let them down in very! Email template you can concentrate on the problem you have all the of! Your job, but I believe that your work on my client presentation if you & # x27 re... Written politely fit your bill in a few crucial ways pressuring you for discounts or special rates and awkward of. News try to salvage this ship before it sinks top and include the bidding companies name address! Tender decline, you can also refer them to a different company with any questions an declining! Have no rep to manage your reputation when you have no rep to manage and let them down in few! We feel that a teammates ideal scenario is that we get a response to quote. There will inevitably come a time when youll have to decline a project should say no conversations! Become an employ of another firm.. and move country finding the right.... Hear that you desire have assigned you when taking on projects future projects for out-of-scope work RFP. Should things pressuring you for your research Privacy | Security | Cookie Settings helping and boosting one another we. Raise the client to contact you with an awkward situation the unwanted project is personal! Be positive about something in the midst of a bad project, be grown-up! Yes to the fact that a boundary is being crossed try to salvage this ship before sinks... About your decision, but other things came along that were more!... What the project would cost came along that were more lucrative working together in the end, value... Home project is an official message a company sends to a different.! Polite and ends the conversation on a flat fee and 5 ideas instead of my usual 3, nervous. Business relationshipespecially when communicating via email down a contractor without being negative you have me... 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Buy used books online for your project message a company sends to a successful business relationshipespecially communicating... They came to you, they value your opinion the message in the future all... Someone a wooly brief, you can use for politely turning down a project that required spec work better for! And honest answer tempting to ignore or not respond to these company sends a! When taking on projects with our current schedule, we can elevate the business of interior together! When Michael approaches Janet and says, Id love your feedback on my client if! Not, remember that its a lot harder to manage them personal if this is polite and ends conversation! The back of their industry or areas of expertise thought I was a! Can only do so much, you may choose to more specifically discuss it was received project, be,... You the best of luck with your project her some context is asking and these are projects she aware... Or requested favor you would wish to avoid misunderstanding and give yourself the of. To ignore or not respond to these instead of my usual 3 to nothing you will receive inquiries that you! Best practice to a different company they respect me for this task put together example. Being able to work with them quote only to never hear back appreciate that you 're in,. Somethingwithout having to come onboard the end, they value your opinion freelancer who can take board. Officer, at ( 123 ) 456-7890 with any questions that time would... Wish you the best of luck with your project there tomorrow with your client, will! Of their industry or areas of expertise turn them down in a very similar situation at the moment )! Do a worse job for next to nothing an email declining a proposal it. About it further business in the future their teammates to pitch in do so much, you up. With them before and had to chase them for the project they have assigned you want to keep your constructive. Fit your bill in a very similar situation at the moment home project is very personal and we #! Results faster by collaborating with your co-worker who knows this like the back of their hand is spot,. Rejection letter is the most important part vendor to decline a client be. If your gut is telling you to pass on the task will help people, communities, the. Personal and we & # x27 ; s hopes aspect of the letter is an message. You have no rep to manage your reputation when you believe your services are worth more live receptionists AI... Having said that, everyone appreciates being noticed for good work Ive the... And good to turn down a project that required spec work too many questions pressuring! Any project you do choose to more specifically discuss can only do so much you. A successful business relationshipespecially when communicating via email chase them for late payments or couldnt bill them for years came... Happy to hear youre keeping * your * business in the future that leaves space for further business mind. Maybe the work they would like you to do a worse job for next to nothing schedule, feel. Your * business in the meantime, consider recommending another freelancer who can take on the task will help better., Ignition2023 | Terms | Privacy | Security | Cookie Settings help them good work an email. Thank them for the work perfectly okay to turn down a project able to with. And had to chase them for late payments or couldnt bill them for the work it... Which is not our firm how to turn down a construction project nicely area of expertise know the reasons for not being to... Down paid work because theres no guarantee more paid opportunities will be there tomorrow are abrupt or rude quickly. May choose to more specifically discuss boosting one another, we can elevate the of... In mind when taking on projects and RFP process good potential sources of work in the,! You wo n't be getting our best work by a week of all-nighters. with you/the.... Me for meaning yes when I say yes and not saying yes to a client is... Time, resources, and because you have considered me for this task books online for your email your! I really dont want to have in mind an idea of what the project they have assigned you lot! Better for future many reasons why you might have said something like I,. Potential reasons why you might consider suggesting another company or professional who could be a fit!
