I have recently run into a couple of clients that I feel have unreasonable expectations.
I am always available Mon-Fri for about 10 hours a day starting at 8:00 a.m.
If I need to be available for someone outside of the U.S. because if time zones, I can do that too.
I don't have a problem working when I need to in order to complete a project. Whenever possible, I try to keep Saturday and Sunday to a minimum. Some weekends that is totally possible because either you are caught up, or there isn't any new work in, but when it's not, at least you know you are making money. And some clients only have weekends to work on thier project. Also no problem because I know that going in.
That being said, I have a problem with clients that expect you to be available on Saturday and Sunday without clearing that I can accommodate or will be available during the same business hours as during the week.
If you know that you want something done by Friday afternoon ( even though you haven't communicated that to me), I have a problem if you don't send me the information until Thursday night, even though I have been waiting on it for 2 weeks, and then call me multiple times on Friday asking what time it will be done.
I've also had clients express their anger at not being able to reach me on Sunday, when I had no reason to expect their call. Others (who've I've made the mistake of calling from my cell) , will call my business line multiple times in a row and then immediately call my cell ( as if it is not possible that I could be away, or speaking with another client), even on Sunday.
With some people I get the feeling that they expect me to be at my desk 24/7 and to respond to them immediately no matter what day or time it is.
Does any sane person have a right to be angry because they can't reach someone on Sunday?
Would you call a service provider at 8 a.m. on Sunday?
Some clients have even gone so far as to question what else I am doing, or why I'm not answering on Friday night or Sunday mornings.
Am I the one that is unrealistic? Why would anyone expect any business that doesn't market itself as 24/7, to answer the phone at all hours?
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