As a designer, you might face situations where a project isn’t progressing as expected, or you need to withdraw for personal reasons. Whether due to client issues, miscommunications, or unforeseen challenges, knowing how to handle project cancellations is crucial.
If Your Client Wants to Cancel
When a client requests to cancel a project, it’s important to address the situation thoughtfully. Start by reaching out to the client to discuss their concerns. Try to understand their issues and explore any changes or improvements that could salvage the project. If you and your client can agree on a way forward without canceling, that is the best possible outcome.
If salvaging the project isn’t possible, you have two main options.
- Accept the cancellation request, which will result in a refund for the client. While this might be disappointing, accepting the request can be a practical way to move forward. It often saves you time compared to mediation and can help both you and the client move on to more productive engagements.
- Decline the request and begin Project Mediation. This process involves a detailed review of the project and may require more time and effort. However, it allows you to present your case and potentially recover any funds you've earned.
If You Need to Cancel
If you’re considering canceling a project, it's crucial to have a discussion with the client first. Canceling an ongoing project should always be a last resort. Remember that canceling a project can affect your profile rankings on Dribbble and will result in a refund for the client.
Dealing with an Unresponsive Client
An unresponsive client can be frustrating, but you have options.
- If your work is complete and sent for Final Review, but there’s no reply within the 7-day review window, you’ll be paid automatically.
- For incomplete work with no client response, contact Dribbble support for guidance. We’ll help you determine the best way to close out the project and ensure you are compensated for the work done.
- If no work has been started, you can cancel the project, and it will be closed with a refund to the client.
Conclusion
Navigating project cancellations can be challenging, but understanding your options and their potential impacts can help you make informed decisions. Always aim to resolve issues with your client first and consider cancellation only when absolutely necessary. As a reminder, here are your options: