Hello. After many years, I find myself in a completely unfamiliar situation where I have no idea what to do. I've been working with a client for a long time, and initially, we didn't have any issues with payments. However, in November last year, the client suddenly insisted on prepayment for a new project. Despite my initial reluctance, I eventually received the payment and started working on the project. The client's demands kept growing, and I worked tirelessly to meet their expectations. Unfortunately, a situation arose where the client accused me of delaying deadlines and demanded changes to the project. Despite my efforts to resolve the issue, the client ultimately decided to terminate our cooperation and demanded a refund.

During this time, the client received various deliverables, including branding, a mobile application prototype, a detailed site concept study, different site prototypes, an idea for social media promotion, a social media character, registration and configuration of social media accounts, as well as domain and hosting setup.

I feel awful and lost, unsure of what steps to take next. I have put so much time and effort into this project, and now I find myself in a difficult position. It is disheartening to see the hard work being disregarded and facing accusations without merit. I need to figure out how to navigate through this situation and find a resolution.

It can be disheartening when your hard work goes unappreciated and you find yourself in a challenging position. Here are a few steps you can consider taking to navigate through this situation and hopefully find a resolution:

1. Review the Contract: Go through the contract or agreement you have with the client to understand the terms and conditions, including any provisions related to termination, refunds, and dispute resolution. This will help you understand your rights and obligations.

2. Communicate with the Client: Reach out to the client and express your willingness to resolve the issues amicably. Clearly explain your perspective on the accusations and address any concerns they might have. Try to find common ground and propose potential solutions that could satisfy both parties.

3. Offer Alternatives: If the client is still dissatisfied, consider negotiating alternatives to a complete refund. You could propose revisiting the project requirements, making modifications, or offering additional services to rectify any perceived deficiencies. Be open to compromise and find mutually beneficial options for moving forward.

4. Seek Mediation: If communication with the client becomes challenging or unproductive, you might consider involving a neutral third party to mediate the dispute. A mediator can help facilitate discussions, listen to both sides, and assist in finding a fair resolution.

5. Legal Advice: If all attempts at resolving the issue fail, and if the amount at stake justifies it, you might want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in contract and business law. They can provide advice based on your specific situation and help you explore legal remedies if necessary.


6. dоcument Everything: Keep a thorough record of all communication, including emails, messages, phone calls, and any other relevant dоcumentation. This will serve as evidence if needed and help you recall important details.

7. Seek Support from Peers or Professional Networks: Reach out to fellow professionals or industry networks for advice and support. They may have encountered similar situations and can offer insights or guidance based on their experiences.

8. Evaluate Your Business Processes: Take this opportunity to review your business processes and identify areas where improvements can be made. Reflecting on the situation can help you learn from it and prevent similar issues in the future.

9. Focus on New Opportunities: While it's natural to feel disheartened, try not to lose sight of other potential projects and clients. Shift your energy towards seeking new opportunities and rebuilding your confidence.

10. Learn from the Experience: As difficult as this situation may be, use it as a learning opportunity. Consider how you can better protect yourself in future agreements, such as by including clearer payment terms or setting boundaries for client expectations.

Please provide him with a detailed estimate that encompasses all the items indicated on the dotted lines, including the completed prototype - specifying the number of hours and the amount of money invested - as well as the time spent on telephone conversations with potential candidates for the position of a skilled photographer, along with their associated costs.

The list is quite extensive, but it ultimately totals the overall time spent and cost incurred. Make sure to present this information to the client and determine any outstanding debts or payments between parties. It is recommended to approach this discussion with a calm and open dialogue, and see how the situation unfolds from there.

According to legal precedent, only a tiny portion of cases involve the return of money to victims who did not enter into a contract. This applies to various services, not just freelance work. In your particular situation, it may be further complicated by the fact that you and the client reside in different cities.

It is not necessary to refund all of the money, particularly without any obligation to do so. Instead, consider reaching out to the client and explaining the time you invested, while expressing your willingness to return a portion of the funds (after careful calculation). Keep in mind that, above all, the client should be reimbursed since they were your employer.

It's clear you've invested significant time and creativity into this project, and it's frustrating to face such abrupt demands from the client. While it's important to empathize with their concerns, it's equally vital to assert the value of your work.

dоcument all interactions and deliverables, as this will be crucial if you need to defend your position. Perhaps consider a calm, professional dialogue with the client to address their grievances and clarify expectations. If they still insist on a refund, it may be worth consulting a legal expert to explore your options.