Looking for advice - Being rushed by a client to finish the project asap

[vecino]

I once had to tell a client:
No matter how much of a hurry you are in, pregnancy lasts 9 months, you can't say: I'm in a hurry, I need to give birth in 3 months.
In that case, instead of a baby, you will have a fetus.

 

[Melghost]

So, as per title, my client (very valuable) is extremely keen to get the project ready to use. I had said a matter of months, but they need it now.

I've just got off the phone with them pleading with me to help and I've said where I'm up to but there is still stuff to do and that takes time.

I'm thinking:

1, Stick to my schedule.
Pros = Eases stress on me.
Cons = The person with that job is threatening to quit, their software is that bad. They want me to step in and use their existing software but it is terrible.

2, Get a limited version useable and go with that.
Pros = Their person will be happy stay (at least for now) and be trained in my software and that can be done gradually as it is completed.
Cons = I won't be able to get every feature they want finished in time

3, Some compromise of those two
Pros = Keeping a good, open relationship with them. Sharing the stress between myself and them
Cons = I will still be more stressed than option 1. Such is (self employed) life!

What would you do?

I think you have to set a price for doing miracles and you need to be clear that doing miracles is expensive.
When your client understands this, the rush tends to fade

 

[MikeH]

I really appreciate everyones replies, thank you

So, the meeting went very well. They were impressed with what I'd done so far. The person threatening to quit has restored confidence of doing the job - with my software. They asked if I can get what I've done so far useable in the next two weeks, if not, they'll use something else until it is and the other features can wait. They've also given further support which I can't divulge but its an enormous help and demonstrates a big element of trust on their part. So in short, they're happy, I'm happy, we're all happy

 

[Melghost]

I once had to tell a client:
No matter how much of a hurry you are in, pregnancy lasts 9 months, you can't say: I'm in a hurry, I need to give birth in 3 months.
In that case, instead of a baby, you will have a fetus.

Superb!

 

[Melghost]

Also I found this sign in a hardware store:
"A lack of foresight on your part cannot mean an emergency on mine."

 

[MrKim]

You decide what options YOU are WILLING to do and at what price, then let them decide.
For me, more stress requires more money - maybe a lot more. If the customer asks why so much for option X a tell them, "Because I don't want to do it."
Occasionally they bite. I may hate the project but I make a LOT of money.

 

[MikeH]

You decide what options YOU are WILLING to do and at what price, then let them decide.
For me, more stress requires more money - maybe a lot more. If the customer asks why so much for option X a tell them, "Because I don't want to do it."
Occasionally they bite. I may hate the project but I make a LOT of money.

Interesting

I am in the fortunate position of being able to choose which projects to do. I've taken on big projects for companies in the past and vow never to do that again. I did exactly as you say, if the task wasn't to my liking, I'd ask for more money to make it bearable. Money doesn't relieve stress for me though, the task still has to be done if I agree to do it.

This project and the people I'm doing it for, I like a lot. I have my 'Minimum Viable Product' finished plus they gave me another week! Everyone's happy

 

[MrKim]

Interesting

I am in the fortunate position of being able to choose which projects to do. I've taken on big projects for companies in the past and vow never to do that again. I did exactly as you say, if the task wasn't to my liking, I'd ask for more money to make it bearable. Money doesn't relieve stress for me though, the task still has to be done if I agree to do it.

This project and the people I'm doing it for, I like a lot. I have my 'Minimum Viable Product' finished plus they gave me another week! Everyone's happy

No, money doesn't relieve the stress of the work, but more money can relieve the stress of needing money.

 

[MikeH]

Today's the big day. I'll be using my MVP in a live situation with the client in one hour from now. No drama, I've done my best and practiced till Im sick of it. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for your support guys

...

It went well. Almost flawlessly, even with having last minute changes dropped on me. There are some things to tweak and some features to implement but we're all happy