Devoted to WAHMs -Work at Home Moms

Wow, I feel out of the loop with this problem. When I was doing a lot of press releases, that is when the rush would happen. Usually, almost always, the customer wanted it done ASAP.

If I'm too busy, I'm too busy. I rarely work late into the evening as I am much better writer during the earlier hours. I suppose if it was a one-time rush, then that would be different. But, we know that there are clients who expect you to drop everything and tend to their needs.

Charging a rush rate makes sense IF this is the type of work you'll accept. I could see adding on at least 30% to the base rate in order to complete the job as requested.

I haven't lost a regular customer over a rush incident either. If I can't do it, I can't do -- that's all there is to it.

I've squeezed in projects before, but never what I'd consider a rush. I feel like a lot of these clients are just trying to get the work done as fast as possible, and there's no real emergency, per se, so most haven't minded that I have to work them into my normal schedule.

I wouldn't feel comfortable charging more for a rush job, since the quality probably wouldn't be any better than if I were to do it normally. It might even be worse!

I'm so rushed in general these days, so much so I barely I have time to blog, that I'm learning that saying no is a good thing.

Hi Matt and Courtney!

It's good to get some perspective from other work-at-home parents. Maybe I've been too nice about taking rush jobs...

I have lots of great clients and usually they gave us ample time to complete a project. However, recently we did have an emergency project that required us to provide creative, copy and printing service within 2 days. You can imagine that's no fun, still, I said "yes" since the request came from a loyal client. "A friend in need is a friend indeed" applies here. I got such support from my team as well as my external teams (particularly my print partner) so working overnight or over weekends is not an issue. I'm blessed.

If we are really busy, I would outsource. Catalyst Blogger rightly pointed out that "If you don't have a dependable partner whose skills match the work, you may want to reconsider outsourcing this time around." I used independent creative folks even during off-peak period so that we can build a rapport and synergy. That works wonderfully as I don't have to turn away rush jobs now.

Do we charge more? Depends. If the cost increment on our end is marginal, I would wave it off especially if there's a great camaraderie with the client. Otherwise, yes, we would charge more. Some clients will "suggest" that we charge normal price since they have been supporting us and will be supporting us. That's always a challenging "oh-oh" position that we have to deal with nicely, firmly and diplomatically. If we concede once, we must be prepared to perform another underpaid job in the future.

I don't like rush work but I will do it to support my clients.

I do many rush graphic jobs a week, but never allow a rush on any major projects. I typically tell all of my clients I need at least a 72 hour notice, however I do get those last minute people who needed something done yesterday. I do charge a rush fee, simply because it creates more work for me and because of the simple fact I am rushed in my work and not able to take my time as usual.

Hi Vivienne and Website Design!

So, I'm not that only one who gets rush requests. I knew that there had to be others.

I think that the various ways that this situation is handled depends greatly on the resources at hand.

Tara, I think it's interesting that you do charge a rush fee. Have you ever had a client approach you with a last-minute task that you know that you couldn't possibly get done?

Great article, something I think most of us face, at least occasionally. As a wife, a mom of four, and a woman working from home, I definitely understand the time constraints, and sometimes having to say no to a client, so I don't have to, again, say no to my children or husband.

I understand your hesitation about seeming too available. I guess I am fortunate, in that I am usually able to pick and choose which assignments I will pick up. Many of the companies I do projects for will offer more money up front, if they are needing me to pick it up immediately. That, often, "sweetens the deal" enough to entice me into accepting, but sometimes we just cannot do it all.

I think most clients will understand that, as consultants or small businesses, sometimes the man power is just not available on short notice. They, often, wouldn't ask these tasks of larger companies, as these companies have policies set in place about ordering by a certain date. I really feel that it depends on the situation, and out of courtesy, if they can wait, they shouldn't expect us to rush, especially without an incentive.

It sounds like you are professional in the way you handle your projects, so I would advise you to handle them in the way you see best. If you don't have time, you don't have time. You deserve the same professional courtesy and expectations that the larger companies do.

Hi Alicia!

Great comment. I like the way that you thought this through. I especially like your last sentence: You deserve the same professional courtesy and expectations that the larger companies do.

I think that's the core of the problem. If we called an accountant or lawyer and they told us that they couldn't see us until next week, then we'd accommodate their schedule. For some reason, we think that we are entitled to less because we work from home.