Topic: is killing your client murder? (Page 1 of 1)

Grrr a few days ago i had a problem with a clients dtabase didnt go to the site uploaded a backup of mine to the ftp area after they said they would populate it themselves, see my post in server side stuff for full story..

i get a phone call today same problem so off i toddle to see them, and fall over in shock the access database is 2gb in size, after explaining to them that this isnt the right platform blah blah blah they tell me they want it in access or nothing, problem is this client i do shit loads of work for, how do i tell em it aint gonna work i have tried the diplomatic route bt it isnt working even brought in another systems designer to explain this. i want to port it over to sql server or something, but they are not having any of it....It is becoming a real nightmare, i want to say..look do it this way or i walk off... i cant afford to but i am being ted up with their stubborness any help please

Why not propose a compromise?
All data is in MicrosoftSQL, mySQL, whatever...and linked to an Access db on their harddrive. You get the high powered functionality you need, they get the Access interface.
Seems like a no-lose solution to me...

Are there some other variables/constraints I am missing?

mobrul

The poster has demanded we remove all his contributions, less he takes legal action.
We have done so.
Now Tyberius Prime expects him to start complaining that we removed his 'free speech' since this message will replace all of his posts, past and future.
Don't follow his example - seek real life help first.

Heh heh, if I only had a nickel for every time I've been asked that question! (And 2 cents for every time I asked it myself, heh.) Sometimes you just have to fall back on some very 'in your face' comments - tell them flat out, you just can't work this way. If you approach a client this way, and are honestly ready to walk away from the job if they don't see reason, most of the time they'll back down and let you do things your way. Note, I said *most* of the time, sometimes you can spoil a client/consultant relationship this way, but IMO usually this is not all bad. The main thing is, if you try this approach you really need to be ready emotionally to walk away, bluffing will never work.

So! It mostly all boils down to "how much do you want this client?" You could always just continue to fix their problems as they show up, take your pay and avoid getting emotionally involved with them. Careful of your reputation if you follow this route! If you try and just do what they want, eventually you'll crack and move on anyway. Then the next consultant will walk in and go "Access? Are you mad?" Then they'll shrug and say, well, there was this other consultant (you)... get the picture?

Your pal, -doc-

Have a look through ALA they have some interesting essays:
http://www.alistapart.com/stories/clientdidit/
http://www.alistapart.com/stories/nipping/

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

What the Doc said... and you might want to add something like; "... you know if I did something like that for you... all I'd be doing is taking your money. We've had a very good working relationship and I really don't want to destroy that by taking your money for something I know will not work."

Thx guys i have a meeting later on, this is the client i did the advertising campaign for, usually they are pretty cool and normally go with what i suggest but for some reason this time its like banging my head against the wall..

I will let you know how i approached the meeting later today and the results.

Doc its that first big client thing ya get when ya living and working in a different country, kinda gives ya that feeling of security when the works regular (no matter how mundane at times)i couls walk and risk hanging in for the stuff in the pipeline, anyway i am off to get ready and give this mini presentation ready for them a final once over.

no jive that point of yours i already planned to use, its a good one,

Ini laugh i aint young so i guess i will die old....


emps thx for the links...

wanders off down to his cell muttering under his breath *f#$% clients,access snagger fugger*