As a freelancer, taking order is an important part of your business. Looking for tips on how to take orders and when to refuse them as a freelancer? Read our guide for practical advice on evaluating your workload, setting payment terms, and trusting your instincts.
Here are some tips on how to take an order and when it may be better to refuse:
- Clarify the scope of the project: Before taking on an order, it’s important to clarify the scope of the project with the client. Ask questions to determine their needs and expectations, and ensure that the project is a good fit for your skills and abilities.
- Establish a timeline: Discuss timelines and deadlines with the client to ensure that you can meet their expectations. If the timeline is unrealistic or you don’t have the bandwidth to complete the project within the given timeframe, it may be better to decline the order.
- Discuss pricing: Determine the pricing for the project upfront, including any potential additional fees or expenses. Be sure to outline your payment terms and request a deposit before beginning work to ensure that you are protected.
- Confirm the order in writing: Once you have agreed to take on the order, confirm the details in writing, including the scope of the project, timeline, and pricing. This will serve as a record of your agreement and help avoid any misunderstandings or disputes down the line.
When to refuse an order:
- The project is outside your expertise: If the project requires skills or experience that you don’t possess, it’s better to be upfront and decline the order. Taking on a project that is beyond your capabilities can lead to poor-quality work and unhappy clients.
- The timeline is unrealistic: If the client requires an unrealistic timeline that doesn’t allow for quality work, it may be better to decline the order. Rushing through a project to meet a tight deadline can compromise the quality of the work and damage your reputation.
- The client is difficult to work with: If the client is difficult to communicate with or doesn’t respect your time and expertise, it may be better to decline the order. Working with difficult clients can be stressful and may not be worth the effort and time invested.
In general, it’s important to be honest with yourself and your clients about your abilities and availability. Taking on orders that are a good fit for your skills and experience, and working with clients who respect your time and expertise, can help you build a successful and satisfying freelancing career.
