Hi John,
The issue here started with the process of engagement, documentation, and the establishment of expectations.
This is where some form of contract (even just an email setting it all out - need not involve a lawyer) is critical, that lays out the points that are important -
If this is clear then there usually is no problem, unless they have a cashflow or liquidity problem. In rare cases you come a across a real bastard - but they usually stand out in the initial process. (Look for gold chains around the neck, flash cars with no visible means of support etc!!!)
There should be no justifying the "behind the scenes stuff". People pay for a result, not what it takes (unless you have charged by the hour - in which case you will have to justify that).
Did you clearly define what you were producing?
Did you in fact produce that, on time, and on the budget agreed?
Are there any deficiencies in functionality?
Outlining these issues the the client in a clear and concise written document may help. There are many people in business who do not understand the rules of business. And if you assumed they did, then that may be your lesson to learn here.
Attach copies of any correspondence / quotes etc, and make it easy for them to see what their obligations are.
Stay congenial and polite as far as possible.
And if you have erred in any way, be up front, and be prepared for some compromise.
HTH
Gary
At 20:21 on 6/12/2005 you wrote
>To : [email protected]
>CC :
>From: John, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Content Type: text/plain
>Attached:
>
>Hi everyone.
>
>Thanks a lot for all your thoughts and information. Very helpful and useful
>for any future contract work.
>
>The problem with my client is that she doesn't know anything about software
>development (fair enough) but only looks at her screen and thinks in terms
>of "what I see is what I will pay for", and doesn't wanna know about all the
>work that sits behind it!
>
>John
>
>
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