Potential scheduling conflict

rnt80

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Mar 30, 2008
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I have had a large job scheduled for 6+ months that I was supposed to start on 2 months ago.  It has been delayed because the customer's guest house (the location of the job) is occupied.  The customer is unsure when the space will be open (over the past two months the estimate has ranged from 2 weeks to another month to they don't know) so I've been filling my schedule with smaller jobs - a bathroom vanity, mirror frames, nightside tables, etc.  However, I am heading out this morning for a measure for a large home office and two walk-in closets.  I'm unsure how to approach the potential scheduling of this job.  At the pace I am restricted to it would take a couple of months to complete, during which time I'm pretty sure the guest house job would eventually open up.  I'm stuck between not wanting to lose work because of this delay and starting on a job that I should've started on months ago.
 
the golden rule is"he who has the gold makes the rules", move on.maybe the guest house will still be there.
 
Bird in hand.  Whoever has a contract should get your attention.

I'd go for the near term office and closets if they are ready to move, and work with the guest house owner to schedule that when it's vacant and you have time.

I can think of worse challenges than to have two clients interested in your time!

Good luck -

neil
 
Yep bird in the hand. Can't fill your plate with promises. I was asked for a job back in may. Got delayed. Plans changed. Now in oktober I can finally start, doing just 1/3rd of it. 
 
I have a job that "will" happen, supposed to start in about 2 weeks at least that's what I've been told for the last 51 weeks. Not worth waiting for anyone, you'll figure it out when the time comes.

Tom
 
If the folks with the home office and closets want you to do the work, give you a down payment and are ready to go I would do that one for sure.

I am sure the folks with the guest house have the best intentions but it's obviously not a priority for them. My best clients are the ones in pain, either psychologically or aesthetically or both.

I always believe that if they want you to do the job, they will wait. If anyone will do, then maybe it's just as well they find someone else.
Tim

 
I already have a contract and deposit with the guest house customer.  There is not a completion or start date on the contract and they are good customers,  it's just been with this job that there has been some ambiguity.  I've told the customer that I'm taking on other jobs, with their blessing, until the house opens up but this office job is the first big project I would be scheduling.  I've already lost a few built ins because I've told people I'm already booked out a couple of months because of the guest house job.
 
Take on the new work.  The guest house people have put themselves in a pickle, not you.  They have to understand (and by understand, I mean send an email to them letting them know their predicament.)

We (me and the kitchen designer I work with) have run into this a lot lately.  Communication is key, and when schedules slip, they need to know that that space in the calendar will be filled.

Wish I lived in Az so I could lend you a hand, but I've got my own scheduling issues!  Back to back to back to back to back whole house installs...!

Good luck Russ!

Jon
 
rnt80 said:
I already have a contract and deposit with the guest house customer.  There is not a completion or start date on the contract and they are good customers,  it's just been with this job that there has been some ambiguity.  I've told the customer that I'm taking on other jobs, with their blessing, until the house opens up but this office job is the first big project I would be scheduling.  I've already lost a few built ins because I've told people I'm already booked out a couple of months because of the guest house job.

BTW, how is your hip?

I am with John, since they are a good client, explain in person that you want (need?) to take work on and the scale and scope means they may have to wait a while before you get to theirs. Unless you have committed the down payment to materials for their project, offer to give  their down payment back to them until such time they are ready to start.

Or, raise prices on all new quotes. This usually slows down or puts a stop to all the projects people want you to do. [big grin]

Good luck.
Tim
 
Jon Hilgenberg said:
Take on the new work.  The guest house people have put themselves in a pickle, not you.  They have to understand (and by understand, I mean send an email to them letting them know their predicament.)

We (me and the kitchen designer I work with) have run into this a lot lately.  Communication is key, and when schedules slip, they need to know that that space in the calendar will be filled.

Wish I lived in Az so I could lend you a hand, but I've got my own scheduling issues!  Back to back to back to back to back whole house installs...!

Good luck Russ!

Jon

I was surprised not see communication mentioned sooner in this tread.  Good communication is your best chance to keep this job and the other paying jobs ready to happen now.  If nothing else it will allow you to get out of this guest house job gracefully.  Clear communication = professionalism. 

Tim Raleigh said:
BTW, how is your hip?..........
 

Yeah, I forgot about your hip, how are you doing?
 
You always have the option of sending out an SOS here. If I'm not doing anything I'd head out that way. Leave the wife here to deal with the winter ;D

Tom
 
It sounds like this large client already understands that there may be a delay once they are ready because you've taken on other work. I wouldn't turn down any more work without a firm date on that big job.  You've gone above and beyond by turning down work for the last two months or more, and that large client didn't send you a check to cover that time.  You can only do so much.  Keep working, it will all fall into place in the end, and if something has to give, you either work overtime or the big client has to wait a bit.  At the end of the day, it's good to be employed!
 
Thanks for the sound advice.  I've got to draw up the office and get a quote off for it.  This all may be moot if they office doesn't pan out.  I'll call the guest house people and explain what's going on.  Thanks for asking about the hip.  I'm three months past my surgery and it's pretty humbling/disappointing to only be able to run a half mile and some bleachers.  This last year off from running was by far the longest I've ever gone in my life without running.  In terms day to day functionality I can move around much easier than I could before so that's been good, especially in the shop.
 
rnt80 said:
 In terms day to day functionality I can move around much easier than I could before so that's been good, especially in the shop.

Good to hear.
I broke my leg once and couldn't sit still long enough for the cast to cure properly...I am not sure what I would do if I had a hip operation.
Take care.
Tim
 
This all seems like good quality advice.  Bravo to all! If I may add my own [2cents]...

I would speak with the guest house client, in person if possible.  Offer the client back their deposit and suggest that you keep the contract with an open date until a date presents itself that will work for the both of you.  This way, you don't have this limbo-job taking up any more of your energy. This will allow you to keep moving forward.  Like Brice suggested, if you communicate directly, the customer will appreciate your honesty and integrity, and you will have a customer for life.

I have been a free-lancer for over thirty years and have never advertised once.  If you live and work with integrity and honesty, communicate directly, and do good work, then you will find that word-of-mouth is all that you need for keeping you busy.
 
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