[thelist] stalled site policy

[Joel D Canfield]

> I'm having issues with some clients disappearing for 
> weeks/months at a time,
> not responding to any calls or emails. Then they reappear one 
> day wanting to
> know why everything isn't finished. I'm considering putting a 
> 'stalled site'
> clause in our contract but was wondering how everyone else 
> usually handles this?

We include a deadline for the project and explain clearly in the
contract that the biggest factor in success is the client providing
information.

It's also included that if we reach that deadline, unless we have
client-provided content or instructions we haven't carried out
(essentially, we're waiting on them) we can consider the project
complete, and bill them in full.)

We also charge enough up front (our payment schedule is generally 40%
down, 40% on first draft, 20% on completion) that if the client decides
to disappear, we've got so little left on the table that I don't fret
about it.

The underlying issue when stuff like this happens is usually
communication. Make it clear (in writing) up front what you expect, and
why it will end up costing them if they don't communicate.

joel