Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what to do?

Re:Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what ... by codingdave on Tuesday October 15, 2019 @04:37PM (#21263454)

As everyone else has said, lesson learned on always having a written SOW, and/or a contract.

Now you have a couple choices:

(Insert standard IANAL disclaimer here.)

1) Contracts do not have to be written to be binding. If you had a verbal agreement that amounted to a contract (specific details you would provide in exchange for specific compensation at the least), and you feel you met your side of it, you can bring in an attorney to argue it. Of course, this is the nuclear option, and may not be worth the trouble or damage to the relationship.

2) Sit down and tell them your side, and ask them to compromise on a deal that you both can live with. This may mean less money from them, or more work from you, or both. This may be the healthiest option for the relationship, but requires some negotiating skills.

3) Just accept what they give you. This is bad for you in multiple ways, but is the simplest and easiest answer.

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Re:Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what ... by throwconsultant on Tuesday October 15, 2019 @04:46PM (#21263540)

Not sure everybody will like this answer. Since tensions have increased, I just took the blame and said that how I handled this engagement was not professional (communication and management) and for me to just take "hit" and not get paid.

I took this option so that relationships are not severed and just a learning moment for myself.

Honestly I'm now at my lowest point now since I never had negative feedback on my work even at times where I winged it. To give some context, I also have a side project that a 100k daily users, and some open source contributions to add to that. So technically I can assure that my technical skills are on point. Just unfortunate that this happened.

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Re:Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what ... by gtirloni on Friday October 18, 2019 @11:43AM (#21292328)

It's not unusual to "let the customer win" and take the hit now to have a longer relationship. Don't beat yourself over it. Learn, move and don't let it happen easily again (the bad scope). Best wishes.

EDIT: Charge something though. Giving the project for free could make them feel bad if they truly believe you delivered something but not all of it.

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Re:Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what ... by SamReidHughes on Wednesday October 16, 2019 @08:59PM (#21277931)

Some contracts, like exclusive copyright licensing, can’t be verbal, under U.S. law.

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