If I were the customer and the contractor failed to meet the deadlines, it would be simple. However, the situation is the opposite. I am the contractor in charge of creating a turnkey website, which includes 4 responsive WordPress pages, for a total of $250. The deadline is February 18, but the contract has not yet been signed, and all I have received is $150 as payment.

I have been trying to get in touch with the customer for the past four days, but she has not responded to any of my messages. If and when she comes back, is it fair to charge her an additional fee for making me wait? If so, how much?
And what is the usual reaction from customers in such cases?

Have you received the payment? Also, have you finished creating the website? Hold off on proceeding until you confirm the former.

In any case, it seems that you have collected 2/3 of the payment already. Keep moving forward with your work.

It's worth noting that the client has yet to receive anything.

Just give me a heads up if you'll be unavailable for a brief period. I'll make the transfer as soon as I have some free time.

it's important to communicate openly and promptly with clients regarding payments and project progress. It helps build trust and ensures that both parties are on the same page.

Why should I pay you if you haven't done any additional work? Perhaps I could be busy or fall ill at any moment.

But regardless of those possibilities, you should continue working through whatever may be troubling you.

I will increase your fee as it is for conducting business, not programming. You appear to be quite the neo-entrepreneur.



Ask politely about the situation and assess whether he is being truthful or not. If he is not truthful, let him go. If he is facing problems at home, offer assistance. This is the right approach. It is not about being stingy with your employees in order to cater to unproductive customers, that's not ethical.

oh really if we missed deadline, can contractor charge fees?
software development company

Regarding the additional fee for the delay, it's important to consider several factors in determining a fair and reasonable charge. You could calculate the additional fee based on the extra time and resources required to accommodate the delay. This might include the opportunity cost of not being able to take on other projects during the waiting period, as well as any additional stress or inconvenience caused by the lack of client responsiveness. It's important to be transparent about how the additional fee is calculated, providing a breakdown of the costs incurred due to the delay.

When it comes to the response from customers in such cases, it can vary widely based on their understanding of the situation and their communication with the contractor. Some customers may fully comprehend the impact of their delay, acknowledge the additional work required, and be willing to compensate accordingly. Others may not fully realize the consequences of their actions and may be resistant to the idea of paying additional fees. Communication is key in managing such situations. Clearly and respectfully explaining the reasons behind the additional charge and the impact of the delays on your work schedule can help in managing expectations and maintaining a positive working relationship.

It's also important to emphasize the importance of clear and concise contracts with clients. Clear terms and conditions regarding payments, deadlines, and the consequences of delays should be outlined in the initial agreement. This can help mitigate issues such as the one you are facing and provide a solid foundation for addressing delays and additional fees in a professional manner.

It's reasonable to charge an additional fee for the delay, considering the project's scope and timeline. Since the contract hasn't been signed, it's essential to discuss and agree upon a revised deadline and potential extra costs with the customer. A fair estimate for the additional fee could be 10-20% of the total project cost, depending on the complexity and urgency of the project.

Yes, charging an additional fee typically 10–20% of the project cost for client-caused delays can be reasonable. Always clarify this in your contract. Honest communication about the delay's impact helps manage expectations and maintain trust.

Yes, contractors can charge fees for missed deadlines if it's specified in the contract. These charges are usually outlined as liquidated damages or penalty clauses to compensate for delays.

Missed deadline fees can be charged by contractors if specified in the contract. Often called liquidated damages or penalties, these ensure accountability and timely completion of projects.