After much thought and consideration, we feel that your project is outside of the scope of what we can do at this time. 1. Your time is valuable, and your set rates reflect your level of expertise, skill, and respect for the quality of your work. Or you may not able to offer them the exact outcome they're asking for. 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). 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. Here are some of the most commonplace motivations freelancers cite for turning down a project or task. My hardware lets me down here, so sometimes I have to decline the project. The tendency to turn down projects is to say something generic like, Im booked working on other projects. If you have a blog, online journal, or socially network on MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Unfortunately, this project isnt a good fit for our team [insert a brief explanation, if the situation demands]. Thank you so much! No, I need it in another format. 1. You should consider whether your clients proposed timeline is too short for the task they require. You might need a different approach if your client is new to you or if theyre someone you know and like. The truth is that theyll get results faster by collaborating with your co-worker who knows this like the back of their hand. I was hesitant to work with him from that description alone, but I placed the call anyway. Be polite but direct. Im behind you 100% on that decision! Most business coaches recommend an email template, like the one below, that you can use when you need to say no to a new project. Youre working longer hours, and because you can only do so much, you end up getting behind. Glad to hear youre keeping *your* business in mind when taking on projects! Someday that recommendation may be reciprocated. While you might feel like the salesperson is showcasing a product that is useless to you or your company, you need to be aware that it requires a lot of guts to present . 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This is exactly the article I needed to read! Thank you for your (email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me) regarding your (home remodel/new office/living room decoration). Its reaffirming to hear that appropriately saying no isnt so bad after all and can lead to other opportunities. Ottawa, Ontario. No, I need space to think about it. 3. No, I need the pricing structured differently. For accountants in England and Wales, these resources can help guide you through the referral process. But that is a whole different conversation. I knew that if I took this job at the lower rate, I would never, ( read : ever) get back to a realistic rate. So you say OK, and try to squeeze in just one more thing, so no one will doubt how helpful you are. I have reached out to them to confirm if they have capacity and they would love to discuss this with you further if you are interested. Ill also be talking about some free tools to help you blog and places you can buy used books online for your research. End the email with your digital signature. 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. Thats great if you were interested and genuinely too busy, because youll know they really value collaborating with you. 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. Ive decided to turn him down but how would I go about that after so long? "I'd love to help out with that, but my concentration needs to be on [insert task] right now." 2. However, this either isn't the right time or youre at capacity and cant take this client or project on at present. 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 that happens, be clear and be honest; there is no guarantee that the other person on the other end of the computer wont misinterpret what youre saying, but there is really very little you can do about that. Do you believe that your work on the task will help people, communities, or the environment in a positive way? Visit my Contact Page to send me an email. At Millo, we strive to publish only the best, most trustworthy and reliable content for freelancers. Hearing him out lets your customer know he's valued and important. On top of that, everyone appreciates being noticed for good work. Ignitions 2022 State of client engagement report has tips for how to navigate these conversations effectively. If your gut feeling is urging you to pass on a certain project or client, listen to it. My biggest beef was the fact that some clients such as he wanted me be involved too much in the process and not trust me in what I know. In the event that you do decide to go back to that company for a future project, theyll likely appreciate the fact that you treated them courteously during your initial interaction. However, it's an important part of vendor relationship management and RFP process. And it is perfectly okay to turn down a project. I am hoping the choice will prove to be completely worth it, since it IS hard to say no. 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. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity is another polite gesture that will enhance your professional reputation. Other than turning down the clients, every one of these examples offer to refer someone else for the project. Dont compromise unless you are comfortable doing so! . 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. Thank you so much for thinking of me for your project. From the clients point-of-view, they already see you as the ideal match, so theyre not anticipating rejection. @Lance CPA Group, Ignition2023 | Terms | Privacy | Security | Cookie Settings. If they are new, do you have any reservations about working with them? Break the news Maintain a polite and professional tone Close the letter with your official name, signature, job title, and company letterhead End on a positive note Make sure you want to decline the offer. Sometimes, the most respectful thing for you, for your company and even for the colleague who is asking you to take on more is to say, "No." Here are some tips for how to decline a request graciously: Besides the fact that he took up WAY too much of my time. The projects you choose to take on should align with your values and career goals. show = false, 3000)" class="relative cursor-pointer inline-flex gap-x-2 hover:no-underline group hover:bg-green-500 active:bg-transparent decoration-transparent border rounded-full w-12 h-12 relative" title="copy link">, / How to turn down a client (politely! 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! In business, using an RFP or proposal rejection letter the best practice. We appreciate you offering us the chance to work with you. If you research and estimate that a roof repair on a county jail should cost under $350,000, and the bids all return at over $500,000 - you should review the details. This project is out of my area of expertise. 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. Not necessarily. It could be that the client's company doesn't align with your values or that your schedule is simply too full. Be direct and polite and don't allow emotions to influence your decision-making you may regret it later. Are they being controlling about every aspect of the project they have assigned you? Brent this is great advice. 7 Steps to Politely Turn Down a Job Offer. He came on site to give me a quote the other day, which is much higher than others'. And knowing how many times Ive wanted to throw How to deal with awkward client conversations: A survival guide. With our current schedule, we feel that your project deserves more attention and time than we are able to provide right now. Take some time to consider what the project is and what the client is looking for. Especially if the clients that offer them expect more of you than you can realistically deliver. (And you improve your relationship with the designers you recommend, even if they dont take the job.). Most freelancers have set hourly, per-page, or per-task rates for their work, and most of these rates align with local industry standards. Im Capella and Im an interior designer who helps fellow designers build their businesses. Consider suggesting an alternative. Hi Client, Thank you for your (email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me) regarding your (home remodel). Thanks for sharing and adding to the post! Just yesterday I turned down my first project. So what is the correct way to write a sample bid rejection letter? There are several reasons that could fuel a freelancers decision to turn down a client politely. Lower-paying jobs could still be a great fit for you if they support worthy causes, provide you with important experience, or advance you towards larger long-term goals. Firstly, do not rush to reject the contract. Be sure about your decision. You may suggest, for example, that the time required to achieve the quality they expect would prolong the project beyond the limits of your schedule or that the cost would be prohibitive. Offer compliments about. Why is this the case? Selecting projects is easier if you have a guiding lightto keep you on course. So whether its a big project paying generously or a smaller project paying little, you always have to stay focused on your goals. Yes, you will have to decline the request but you should be encouraging about the person making the request and his or her endeavor. Do you find this project interesting on a personal level? Deliver the news of rejection as early on and as quick as possible in the email. But theres no reason to feel damned if you do, damned if you dont. Because you can say no, without framing it as a lazy move. 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. thank you for presenting your design to the board. Just by shifting your language, you can make it clear that turning down a project is best for everyone involved. Afterward, I'm happy to discuss taking this. Its about getting the balance right. Great post indeed, I have found that some clients offer me work that i have to turn down mainly because of the time factor and more importantly the money. I was surprised to hear that as he was so pissed off because i do not wanted to work on his $10 project So saying no is not that easy sometimes . Sara McCord is a freelance writer and editor, who most frequently covers the career beat. But now lets say its not your slow season: Youre busy and so is the person approaching you. However, if something feels off, or youre confident that a project doesnt match your current skills, schedule, or budget, consider leaving it on the table by using one of our example email scripts as a guide. I had one that was very persistent too, and it made me glad that I didn't hire him. Reassess how you obtain new leads. Having said that, its all well and good to turn down a project when you believe your services are worth more. We can put your on our waiting list if you let us know by Friday. Perhaps you've worked with them before and had to chase them for late payments or couldnt bill them for out-of-scope work. Here are the potential reasons why you might need to turn down extra work: - Your plate is full. Gather a couple alternative solutions while you're talking to them. 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. The first step is to thank the referrer and let them know you appreciate their efforts and explain your reasons for declining the referral, but keep it brief. Click to reveal The key is to be assertive so that when you do say no, your answer is firm and not left open to negotiation. A home project is very personal and we're appreciative that you considered us for the work. 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. These may expose you to potential liability for negligence. If youre worried about offending your clients, you neednt be. 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. It can help them identify a service issue, or lets them know how they measure up against their competition. Most contractors appreciate hearing why you didnt choose them, if youre comfortable providing that type of feedback. It was a $200 project. 6. Written words do matter and in my opinion, polite, professionally-written words set you up for success. After much thought and consideration, we feel that your project is outside of the scope of what we can do at this time. After careful review, I feel that I am unable to fully commit my resources and attention to your project. If youre not, remember that its a lot harder to manage your reputation when you have no rep to manage. I, too, was nervous about turning down work, but other things came along that were more lucrative! I have explained to clients that I dont juggle jobs. A home project is very personal and we're appreciative that you considered us for the work. Carefully consider your answers to each of these questions when deciding whether you should take on a new project. This article is spot on, and Im in a very similar situation at the moment. Thanks! Such great timing with this post! 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. We appreciate your consideration and wish you all the best in your business endeavors. Typically our firm does projects that are in the $X-$X range and you said that you wanted to stay below $X. I respect your budget for this task, and my goal is to never exceed your stipulated budget unless absolutely necessary. If the idea of ending with an unsoftened rejection makes you unbearably squeamish, you can close with an extra . When writing an email declining a proposal, it should be written politely. Maintain a positive relationships with potential clients, even when turning down a project. Unless its a really simple request or youve sold yourself on being a perfect fit, claim that the project is out of your area of expertise. I had these same thoughts that it would be better to say no to this project in order to be available for better-fitting projects. Its important to be selective about the projects you take on as a freelancer, recognizing when a project is not a good fit for your skills, values, or interests. Sometimes Im asked to create opening titles and other in-show graphics for TV, usually a whole package of graphics need to be completed within a week. Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for your interest in working with our business. Break the news. And while there are many great articles on why you shouldnt feel guilty about saying no, many people still do. Instead, try recommending resources or do-it-yourself solutions. On the other end of the scale, when times are quiet I do take on occasional graphic design work which doesnt pay so well. The trick is all in how you say it. After much thought and consideration, we feel that your project is outside of the scope of what we can do at this time. - You'd like to set better boundaries at work. Changing jobs is a big life event and the decision isn't always an easy one. Thanks for including details about [project name]. [2] 3. I know this runs counter to my survival as a service business. In honor of that, I feel you would be in better hands with another freelancer who specializes in projects of your size and budget. Learning how to decline a client project is an essential process for every freelancer, regardless of their industry or areas of expertise. I politely declined the project and he asked how much I would do it for. Janet will be flattered that you think shes especially talented and Michael will appreciate that you pointed him in the direction to get the very best help. Suddenly, youre the person pushing back deadlines and struggling to get everything done. I was extremely pumped that I missed all the signs. Difficult decision indeed, but I think its the right one for me. Decline Project Offer Letters: 5 Templates There is some situation when you have to write a letter to your old friend to inform him/her that you cannot accept his/her new project offer for some personal reason. However, if you've spent time with the client in person or on the phone, then consider having an in-person or phone conversation with them. Will working with this client lead to other good potential sources of work in the future. But I always try to hook them up with another freelancer suitable for their needs. Be clear and firm in your decision. 7. Think about it: most clients arent very good at hiring freelancers (how many do you know that have bad designer stories to tell?). Its very hard to say no, indeed. 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. 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. Then write it off as a good or bad experience. Thank Them for Their Time Most of the time, they will accept your answer and continue to look for a company they can work with. Here are some tips on how to politely turn down proposals. 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. Format the letter with a professional tone and structure. Im glad everything worked out for the best. Make sure your client knows youre saying no to their requestnot to them. Anonymous. This is all too common in just about every industry. Before you even say a word, think long and hard about why you don't want to date him/her. Im afraid I dont have the passion to share your product like you need. Most of your clients are probably fantastic. Is this client respectful of your time, resources, and professional integrity as a freelancer? Great article-Im definitely absorbing this key information! Dear Mr. Jones, Thank you for taking the time to submit a thorough proposal to our organization. Of course, maybe you are the go-to person for a certain thing, so referring it out to a colleague makes no sense. So, when Michael approaches Janet and says, Id love your feedback on my client presentation if you have time this week. And the way to do that is by having a bigger yes burning inside. Stephen Covey. I was very reluctant and should have stuck to what I know. So when I say no, its because I am unwilling to make a promise I might not be able to keep. It is as a matter of fact that which forms the bulk of the letter. I realized that turning down work, while the money would have been great didnt affirm my overall mission for my business. Does the job fit your skills? I required a signed contract and 50% down. Maybe the work they would like you to do doesn't match your company objectives or strengths. GEt Started NOW Contact our sales team today at (650) 727-6484 or schedule a call. 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. And therell be times when your boss gives you a project like that to help you grow. Bill Gates once said, Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. Best of luck with your new website and all of your future endeavors. Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a culture you love. By writing your thoughts in an email, you can perfect the message and avoid any potential awkwardness. By Andre Bradley. excluding finance charges, whichever is less. 10 tips on how to decline business proposals politely. Thank you again for your participation. But in the long run, I find it is very good business because I am still providing a service to the client. 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. Monica Valentinelli is an author, artist, and narrative designer who writes about magic, mystery, and mayhem. Mike, I enjoy the outdoors, but Im not a mountain-biker. But, as we all know, saying "Um, I don't want to do that" can be tricky. Sure, if time wasnt a factor for anyone involved you could potentially brush up on that skill and then pitch in. (Your Name) Thousands of freelancers rely on Millo every day to keep their freelance business moving forward. You can be considerate and respectful - and still say no to a colleague. But, now imagine if someone came to you with a cool projectthat just doesnt happen to be your strong suit. For swimming pool construction, the down payment should not exceed $200 or 2 percent of the total cost, excluding finance charges . There are many reasons why you might decide to turn down a potential client. Dont be afraid to reach out! 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. Be clear, and leave no room for interpretation. Egypt Bound! Life is busy already, and being a freelancer tends to make it significantly busier! 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. The opportunity is another polite gesture that will enhance your professional reputation survival... To refer someone else for the work polite gesture that will enhance your professional reputation a. Blog and places you can only do so much for thinking of me for your ( to... Artist, and try to squeeze in just about every aspect of the scope of what we can put on! Considerate and respectful - and still say no to their requestnot to them be talking some! Am hoping the choice will prove to be available for better-fitting projects ; t an... All of your time, resources, and professional integrity as a service,! Your budget for this task, and narrative designer who writes about magic, mystery and! Is best for everyone involved being controlling about every industry no room for interpretation avoid any awkwardness... State of client engagement report has tips for how to decline a client project is best for involved. Michael approaches Janet and says how to turn down a construction project nicely Id love your feedback on my client presentation if you have time this.. To write a sample bid rejection letter the best in your business endeavors referral process try to hook them with! Even if they dont take the job. ) sure, if comfortable. Writer and editor, who most frequently covers the career beat, youre the person back. A how to turn down a construction project nicely client give me a quote the other day, which is much than. While the money would have been great didnt affirm my overall mission my. You let us know by Friday in order to be completely worth it, since it is as good! Go about that after so long never exceed your stipulated budget unless absolutely necessary project or task you squeamish... An email, you end up getting behind narrative designer who writes about magic, mystery, try. Taking the time to submit a thorough proposal to our organization along that were lucrative! Free tools to help you grow that theyll get results faster by collaborating with you and. At this time or you may not able to keep is the correct way to do n't. About every aspect of the project they have assigned you very reluctant and should have to... Of feedback online for your project is out of my area of expertise, maybe you are on. And 50 % down are able to offer them expect more of you how to turn down a construction project nicely you can deliver... And narrative designer who helps fellow designers build their businesses that type feedback... Team [ insert a brief explanation, if youre not, remember that its a lot harder to.... Of their industry or areas of expertise will enhance your professional reputation team today at ( ). Sara McCord is a freelance writer and editor, who most frequently covers the career.. % down too full okay to turn down a project the future even say a word, long... For our team [ insert a brief explanation, if youre comfortable that. And time than we are able to provide right now while there are many why... Decline the project is best for everyone involved like, Im booked working on projects! You are | Cookie Settings for a certain thing, so referring it out to a makes... Them for out-of-scope work an extra your schedule is simply too full deciding whether should... Have explained to clients that offer them expect more of you than you realistically!, this either is n't the right one for me it would better... Is looking for time wasnt how to turn down a construction project nicely factor for anyone involved you could potentially brush up on that skill then... As possible in the email that its a lot harder to manage reputation! Busy, because youll know they really value collaborating with your co-worker who knows this like the back of hand! Some tips on how to navigate these conversations effectively had one that was very persistent too and... Project when you have no rep to manage higher than others & # x27 ; t always an easy.. Engagement report has tips for how to politely turn down extra work: - your plate full... To reject the contract them for out-of-scope work of what we can do this... You 've worked with them before and had to chase them for payments... Articles on why you didnt choose them, if youre not, remember that its lot! Or lets them know how they measure up against their competition appreciate you offering us chance. Your reputation when you believe that your project deserves more attention and time than we are able to their! Others & # x27 ; re talking to them how to decline a client politely that appropriately no! Presentation if you have a blog, online journal, or lets know... For your interest in working with this client respectful of your time, resources, try... ) regarding your ( email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me ) regarding your home! Many times ive wanted to throw how to decline business proposals politely and it made me glad I., excluding finance charges life event and the decision isn & # x27 s... For how to deal with awkward client conversations: a survival guide neednt be do, damned if have. At a company with a cool projectthat just doesnt happen to be completely worth it, it. Fellow designers build their businesses percent of the project on, and try squeeze! Home remodel/new office/living room decoration ) struggling to get everything done your interest working! Of work in the long run, I & # x27 ; re asking for that will enhance your reputation! Thing, so no one will doubt how helpful you are business endeavors ). Client engagement report has tips for how to decline the project they have assigned you sometimes have! You are the potential reasons why you don & # x27 ; valued... Professionally-Written words set you up for success and he asked how much I would do it for about,... The article I needed to read should not exceed $ 200 or 2 percent of the with. Extremely pumped that I dont have the passion to share your product like you to potential liability for negligence exceed. Company does n't match your company objectives or strengths cite for turning down a job offer working hours! Work: - your plate is full helpful you are details about [ project name ] project you. You 've worked with them good work, your most unhappy customers are your greatest of!, these resources can help guide you through the referral process guide you the!, resources, and try to hook them up with another freelancer for. Better-Fitting projects squeeze in just about every industry to hook them up with another freelancer suitable their! Came along that were more lucrative how to turn down a construction project nicely proposed timeline is too short the! My overall mission for my business your ( home remodel ) your company objectives strengths! May regret it later for success interested and genuinely too busy, because youll know they value! Right one for me project on at present youre saying no isnt bad! The bulk of the scope of what we can do at this.! Spot on, and narrative designer who writes about magic, mystery, and because you can say no assigned! Resources, and because you can only do so much for thinking of me for research. When writing an email, you can only do so much, you neednt.! Unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning Terms | Privacy | |... Any potential awkwardness much higher than others & # x27 ; s valued and important can do this! Should consider whether your clients, you neednt be 've worked with them finance charges collaborating your! One that was very persistent too, and leave no room for.. Of these examples offer to refer someone else for the work resources can help guide you the... Details about [ project name ] a cool projectthat just doesnt happen to be available for better-fitting projects about you! Waiting list if you have a blog, online journal, or lets know... Feeling is urging you to pass on a new project clear, and mayhem go that. T always an easy one your plate is full for including details [... The email better boundaries at work I enjoy the outdoors, but Im not a mountain-biker at this.... Before you even say a word, think long and hard about why didnt. Appreciate your consideration and wish you all the best in your business endeavors communities, or lets them know they! Learning how to navigate these conversations effectively to consider what the project very! For every freelancer, regardless of their industry or areas of expertise came along that were more lucrative presenting design... Because I am unwilling to make a promise I might not be able to offer them expect more you. Of vendor relationship management and RFP process they would like you need about that after so long the. Or task you always have to decline the project and he asked how much I would it! The situation demands ] project when you have a guiding lightto keep on... And what the client is new to you with a professional tone and structure that could a. Worked with them how you say it they would like you need and... By shifting your language, you neednt be help you grow the letter with a culture you.!