The issue of how quickly to offer a turnaround time for projects is one that we haven’t touched here on Freelance Parent yet. I’m not exactly sure why, but I’m assuming it has something to do with the fact that it hasn’t been a problem until quite recently.
But it’s becoming one now.
In the beginning, we offered all of our clients a ridiculously fast turnaround. I remember my first-ever gig through Guru. I got the offer and had it back to the guy in an hour. An hour. It wasn’t that I felt he needed it right that minute, it was just that I had nothing else to work on. (By the way, I’m happy to say that he is still a client. So there might be something to say about that super-fast first project.)
Because Lorna and I work as a team, our general project completion time has always been rather low – usually within one week or so of when we get the job. We share our workload, work late nights and weekends, and really want to build up our client list, so we always stick to our motto: Work Hard. Working hard means trying to get our clients the work they request quickly and efficiently. And it’s worked. The clients come back and they come back with referrals.
Well, we’ve done nothing but talk here lately about how we’re growing and expanding by what feel like leaps and bounds. However, we all must remember that there are drawbacks to having a full client list – including being forced to simply say, “Sure, I can get you on the schedule in three weeks,” to which the client balks, declines, or somehow wheedles a better deal.
In the web design world, I would think nothing of a one-month turnaround, but for some reason, asking my own clients to wait that long for website content makes me feel a little stingy. I have a sort of internal cap that stops at two weeks, and I ‘m having a hard time pushing that back any further.
Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m not advocating selling your life away to please the client. Work-life balance is always on the edges of my brain, and I try to be fair to all the parts of my life simultaneously. But I can’t help but wonder, what is the freelance writing standard? Is one month an acceptable turnaround time for ten pages of web content, or is that asking too much? Is offering a two-week maximum completion date good marketing, or just plain crazy?
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Christina Lemmey is the mother of two school-aged girls, a wife, and the owner of 
Turnaround matters, big-time.
When I write things at work, especially when I have asked volunteered for things, I ask when they are due. Then I beat that deadline — EVERY TIME.
That gets GREAT word-of mouth going like you wouldn’t believe. I couldn’t buy publicity like that, in the office or at home.
Beating deadlines and providing fast turnaround IS a killer. It is exhausting, but it is good for business.
Well, first of all, it`s great that you are at the point where you need to consider booking a month ahead!
Also, while my internal cap is about 2 weeks in most cases, I know there are writers who are booked months ahead. I suppose it depends on whether you`re willing to risk a client by telling him a firm date.
Ah, success . . . it bring a whole new set of worries!
Turnaround is like anything — something you negotiate. It’s not a good feeling to say no to someone, but at the same time you want to be fair to them and all the other clients you have on your schedule. If they are happy to wait, then great. Otherwise, you are both better off if they find someone else.
The exception might be your regular clients. I have had a few come to me and say “I know this is short notice, but…” I’m willing to squeeze them in, turn it fast, bend over backward to keep them happy.
The good clients will remember that. The good clients will also understand if your turnaround times slow down as you get better.
The only ones you need to worry about are the ones you shouldn’t worry about in the first place…
~Graham
PS – BTW, take a moment for yourself and breathe in your success!
Graham Strongs last blog post..5 Steps To Better Brainstorming for the Intrepid Freelancer and Independent Business Owner
There is no reason that a good writer can’t turn around a project in 24 hours, given sufficient input. If I am asked to work on something about which I know nothing, I can’t even start. But if I am familiar with the subject, all I need is some objectives and non-nos. I have often responded in less than 36 hours.
If I can do it with my meager talent, anyone can.
Craig – I agree that getting things in early is good for business. So many freelancers have a reputation for pushing deadlines that being the opposite is a definite point in your favor.
Genesis – I’d like to be okay with months ahead. I may have to increase my two-week internal clock by increments to get there.
Graham – There’s also a chance to factor in “rush fees” when you do a last-minute job for existing clients. It’s not something we do every time, but when someone wants something the next day, I often up the price simply so they don’t make it a habit.
William – I agree that most projects can be completed in 24 hours, given an open schedule and no prior commitments. However, it requires a sort of take-each-job-as-it-comes buisness style that makes steady income difficult. We find that by planning our schedule weeks in advance, we avoid that famine trap so many freelancers fall into.