How to Decline a Web Design Project Like a Pro
There are a lot of good reasons that you might want to decline a project. It’s also important to remember that it’s ok to say no to a project that you don’t want to do when you work for yourself. If you haven’t already, take a look at my previous related article: What I’ve learned from doing free work for family and friends. In this article, I outlined ways to decline doing work that could have an impact on your personal relationships and how to get out of it.
Every now and then a project comes along where something about either the client or the project just feels wrong.
This is my advice: if your gut is telling you not to do it—don’t do it.
I understand what it’s like to take on a project because you just need the money, but in the end, working on projects you hate will burn you out and eventually, you’ll come to hate your profession.
I’d like to share with you some scripts that I use to decline web design projects that I’m either not interested in or that I just have a bad feeling about.
A client with red flags:
Sometimes you can just tell right off the bat based on your first email interaction or phone call that this client is going to be a complete nightmare. The indicators could come in the form of ridiculous timelines, aggressive tone, or a byzantine rationale for how they want things done that don’t align with your workflow. If you see red flags, you can decline the project in a professional manner like this:
Hello John,
Thanks so much for reaching out to me, your project certainly sounds interesting and it would make a great addition to my portfolio.
After careful review of the information you provided in your (email/design brief), I don’t feel that I fully commit my time and attention to your project. I regret that (I wouldn’t be able to meet your deadline at this time / __________ is not my strength and you may benefit from the expertise of a larger agency). I would hate to feel, or for you to feel that your new website has been rushed or lacking features.
I appreciate that you considered me to take on this task. I want you to have a great experience with this endeavour and wish you the best of luck.
Cheers,
Karl
There shouldn’t be any hard feelings here. You’re simply too busy right now (whether you are or not). Don’t feel pressured to work with a client you know you’re not going to like.
If you think the client would have been great, but you are genuinely too busy, try this:
When your schedule is full:
Hi Joe,
Thanks so much for reaching out to me, your project certainly sounds interesting and it would make a great addition to my portfolio. I love working with people who have (creative content/a cool message/such an interesting story/etc.).
I sincerely regret that I cannot fully commit my time and attention to your project with my current schedule. I place a great deal of importance in the value of a website and I feel that your project deserves more attention than I can currently provide.
That said, I would be delighted to put you on my waitlist if your timeline will allow.
OR (Recommend someone else)
However, I have a colleague who I trust would do a great job for you. (Insert name of colleague).
Again, I am very grateful for your consideration. I wish you all the best with your project.
Cheers,
Karl
In this case, you might think that this would be a good client that you wouldn’t want to disappoint. If you know another designer you trust, pass them the client. Perhaps the favour will be returned someday.
If you’re busy enough to be turning down client’s you’re probably in a pretty good place and you may have had this next experience before:
Haggling or unrealistic budgets:
Hello Jane,
Thanks so much for reaching out to me, your project certainly sounds interesting and it would make a great addition to my portfolio.
I take a great deal of pride in the amount of time and attention I’m able to devote to each project, and my clients enjoy the personalized attention they receive as well. This level of service comes with a very competitive price that is non-negotiable. I can certainly appreciate that everyone has varying budgets, but I feel that you may be better served by a different studio that is more proficient with projects of this scope.
I’m very grateful that you considered me to take on this task. I want you to have a great experience with this important endeavour and wish you the best of luck.
Cheers,
Karl
You have to stand your ground and set realistic expectations on behalf of your industry. I feel that I would be doing a disservice to my fellow designers and myself by taking on a project where the client doesn’t value the time and talent required to produce the impressive results that professionals deliver..
It has been my experience that the type of client who wants a discount right off the bat is also the most difficult to please and is never happy with anything.
Along the lines of unrealistic expectations, commercials for DIY website builders make it seem as though anyone can make a stunning website in seconds. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the client who already tried and failed miserably realizing that it’s not as easy as they thought it would be. If not, you may run into this:
Rushed or impractical deadline:
Hi Johnny,
Thank you so much for reaching out to me.
I would absolutely love to work on this project with you, it sounds like a lot of fun. However, I regret that I am fully booked until __________ ___ and I wouldn't be able to adhere to your project deadline at this time. My first available date is __________ ___ which I would be happy to book for you if your deadline is flexible.
If anything changes and you're unable to find a designer to provide the turnaround you're looking for, I'd be more than happy to provide you with a quote.
Cheers,
Karl