Comments on: What is an Acceptable Freelance Turnaround Time?

By: My guest post on WAHM 2.0 | April Tara

My guest post on WAHM 2.0 | April Tara — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:56:22 +0000

[...] From ‘Freelance Parent’ – What’s an acceptable freelance turnaround time? [...]

By: Tamara Berry

Tamara Berry — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:50:41 +0000

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.

By: William

William — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:30:49 +0000

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.

By: Graham Strong

Graham Strong — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:46:00 +0000

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

By: Genesis

Genesis — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:05:14 +0000

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!

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:39:42 +0000

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.