richlowe - 12:01 pm on Oct 23, 2004 (gmt 0)

Been a consultant for 15 years. In my experience, clients who act like this are trying to get you to work for free. It's that simple, and usually it is a conscious act. They are actually trying to make you feel guilty to you will give them services, and then, down the road, an excuse to leave without paying.

Charge him. Get it in writing and if he pulls the "it's a no brainer, you should have done it because it's so simple" routine, make sure he understands you don't do anything without a written, signed work order. Make this clear from this point onward.

With a "we need it in writing" policy, he cannot claim you cost him money by not proceeding. He must sign or it doesn't get done.

And don't stress out over it. Truly, that's what he wants.

At least, in my experience, that works very well.

Richard