A month ago, I got a call from a local business(a popular tattoo parlor) wanting me to create a website. I've done sites for businesses before, so I was willing to help the guys out.
When we sat down and discussed the specifics, they didn't care about the appearence. As long as the right info got up, then everything else was up to me. In about a week, I bought the domain, got hosting, and delivered the site. They liked it.
It was clean and professional(and personally, what I would like to see when deciding what parlor to visit - were I to get a tattoo). They paid me for my services.
After a week, however, they decided that it was too clean. They wanted it to look more like 'other' tattoo sites. Dark, wild, and 'in your face'. I agreed to change it at first, but no I'm not sure if I want to. I feel as though it would be downgrading my work, and that's not something I want to put my name on.
I'm tired of running in circles for these guys. How do I tell them that I quit?
2007-09-11 15:50:24 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
You have to make some decisions about what is more important to you right now, your business reputation or getting out of this situation. Because you told them you would change the site, you're going to look bad if you just tell them, "Hey, I just don't want to do this!"
Before you quit, You need to answer this question: Do you need them for a reference to build your business or can you afford to just walk away?
I sympathize with not wanting to "grunge up" the site you are proud of, but you may want to think about your decision carefully. You provide a service and you will have many customers who are going to ask for changes or express themselves in an unclear way and then want you to "read their mind" and give them what they want - even if they didn't exactly tell you what they want. Part of being in business is developing ways to deal with customer problems.
When it's all said and done...If you want out, tell them you are sorry, but you have a problem of "creative differences" over this website and cannot continue to work for them.
Even when I have negative feelings, I act polite and respectful because word of mouth can help or hinder a business. People will view this website you have done and critique it. If you are rude to the business owners they may bad-mouth you. Every business customer can potentially lead to more business. You don't want to "burn your bridges" too quickly.
LeslieAnn
2007-09-11 16:41:17 · answer #1 · answered by LeslieAnn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about telling them what you just said above. Something like this (Hey guys we need to talk. I really appreciated you giving me the chance to design your site. I really feel that if you change the site number one this won't make your business stand out from all the rest. Number two if you want a site like the other guys. I won't be able to do this because I feel these types of sites are not what I'm interested in designing and you will have to find some one else. Heres who I recommend AYZ WEB DESIGN. I hope you understand and we can part as friends. If your in the this type of business start telling other people up front what you will design and what you won't. Good Luck.
2007-09-11 23:05:24 · answer #2 · answered by Joshua S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a contract with these guys? If you don't, I don't see any obstacles preventing you from simply speaking your mind. You may even have the upper hand here and challenge them with some demands of your own, speaking in a business point of view. You're bound to run into these kinds of issues, face the challenges...BECOME THE APPRENTICE, and don't let Donal Trump FIRE U! Think about it, and use it to your advantage, how much can you get out of this deal? Get yourself some incentive for every hit on their page, it's all about the Benjamins is what I'm saying!
2007-09-11 23:06:45 · answer #3 · answered by oc245 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't see why you care so much as long as you are getting paid for it and they aren't making your job doing it difficult.
If you just don't want to change it, then they'll just have someone else do it or maybe screw it up themselves. Since they paid for your services, then any work you did for them is theirs, so your name will be on it anyway. So trying to go with the "I have more integrity than this" route won't necessarily wash.
If you simply don't want to personally change it, if you just can't bring yourself to do it, then tell them as much. Since they have pretty much been nice to you about it, then there is no reason to dance around the issue.
Oh, and I've done and sold artwork of my own for some years, so I do know something about artistic pride. But if you are going to place yourself in the position of being paid consistently for your art, then you have to sometimes make concessions to please the customer.
2007-09-11 23:00:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always be honest with people and it goes further. Tell them what you think and let them know that you are the one they came to and if they don't like your work you can find other places to go. Because doing what you do is kind of like being an artist and nobody should change the way you do things (except for the right price maybe).
2007-09-11 22:55:33 · answer #5 · answered by cheeftheleaf 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well I dont know, I guess you could take it as they are down grading your work but I dont think it is anything against you, I just think they are looking for something more wild. the majority of people that go to tattoo have some kind of wildness in them, they probably do want to see something wild, its nothing against you, i wouldnt think but if i were you i would go ahead and change it, but only if they pay you for it, and they have to tell you THEN what changes they want THEN, they need to pay you for your time. Next time I would suggest doing websites for people who are more professional, like an office place or something like that, something that you are interested in!
2007-09-11 22:58:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just tell them that you do not think that you are the right person to do the work. The important thing is to not burn any bridges with anyone. You would be surprised what a small world it is.
2007-09-11 22:55:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell that in your professional opinion, the ad is fine and you would be going against your principles to change it. Tell them they need to hire someone else if they want to make changes.
2007-09-11 22:55:02 · answer #8 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them you are currently tied up on another long term project and will not have time for modifications for quite awhile .
Never quit when 'self employed' , just be 'too busy elsewhere' !
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2007-09-11 23:01:29 · answer #9 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take your payment and say 'goodbye'.
It's their website, they can have whatever they want. But you don't have to do it for them, if it's not something that suits you. You've done a great job explaining it in your question...just tell them the same thing.
2007-09-11 22:55:31 · answer #10 · answered by Postal Professor 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋