As a freelancer, client feedback is crucial for ensuring your work meets expectations. However, it’s not uncommon for a client to be dissatisfied with the work you’ve submitted, or for them to delay approving it. Handling this situation with professionalism is essential for maintaining a positive relationship and ensuring smooth project delivery. In this article, we will guide you on how to approach the situation if a client doesn’t approve your submitted work on Forhopp.

1. Why Might a Client Not Approve Your Work?

There are several reasons why a client might not approve your work right away. Understanding these reasons will help you address the situation effectively:

Common Reasons for Non-Approval:

• Unclear Requirements: The client may feel that the work doesn’t meet their initial expectations or the agreed-upon requirements.
• Delays in Feedback: Sometimes, clients simply need more time to review the work or are distracted by other priorities.
• Request for Revisions: The client may want changes or additional modifications to the work before they are satisfied with the final product.
• Budget or Timeline Concerns: Clients might hesitate to approve the work if there are financial or timing constraints that need to be renegotiated.

Understanding the cause of the delay or non-approval will help you address it with a solution-oriented approach.

2. Step-by-Step Approach to Handle Non-Approval

Step 1: Review Your Work

Before reaching out to the client, take a moment to review the work you’ve submitted. Ask yourself:

• Did I meet all the requirements outlined in the project brief?
• Is the quality of the work up to the standard that I usually deliver?
• Are there any mistakes or areas for improvement?

By reviewing the work critically, you ensure that your response to the client is informed and constructive.

Step 2: Contact the Client Politely

If the client has not approved your work, reach out to them using Forhopp’s messaging system. Your message should be polite and respectful. Avoid sounding confrontational or defensive. Here’s an example of a polite and professional message: Example Message:

“Hi [Client’s Name], I noticed that the work I submitted hasn’t been approved yet. I wanted to check in and see if there’s anything specific you would like me to adjust or revise. Your feedback is important to me, and I want to ensure that the final product meets your expectations. Please let me know how you would like to proceed.”

Step 3: Ask for Specific Feedback

Sometimes, clients may hesitate to approve the work because they’re not sure what they want changed or need more time to provide detailed feedback. Ask for specific feedback that can guide your revisions:

• Are there any areas of the work that you’re not satisfied with?
• Would you like any changes to the design, functionality, or content?
• Is there a particular part of the work that needs improvement or additional focus?

Providing clear and targeted questions will help the client articulate their needs more easily.

3. Responding to Client Feedback

Step 1: Accept Constructive Criticism

If the client provides feedback requesting revisions or clarifications, take it graciously. Even if the feedback isn’t entirely what you expected, this is an opportunity for you to improve your work and build a stronger relationship with the client. Avoid taking criticism personally, and instead focus on addressing their concerns.

Step 2: Revise the Work Based on Client Requests

Once you’ve received specific feedback, implement the changes as per the client’s instructions. Make sure to keep the following in mind:

• Follow Instructions Precisely: Ensure that you’re implementing the changes the client has asked for.
• Be Transparent About Revisions: If certain requests are outside the original scope of work or would incur additional costs, discuss it with the client.
• Keep the Client Updated: Let the client know once the changes are completed and ask for confirmation before submitting the final version.

Step 3: Resubmit the Work for Approval

After revising the work, resubmit it to the client for their approval. Include a brief note explaining the changes you’ve made and how they address the client’s feedback. Example Note:

“Hi [Client’s Name], I’ve made the requested changes to the work. The following revisions were made: [List of changes]. Please review and let me know if everything is aligned with your expectations. I’m happy to make any additional adjustments if needed.”

4. Dealing with Delays in Client Feedback

If the client is slow to respond or does not provide feedback in a timely manner, here’s how to handle the situation:

Step 1: Send a Friendly Follow-Up

After a reasonable amount of time has passed without any feedback, send a polite follow-up message. It’s important to remain professional, even if you’re feeling frustrated by the lack of response. Example Follow-Up Message:

“Hi [Client’s Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding the work I submitted. If you have any feedback or would like further revisions, I’d be happy to make any adjustments. Please let me know how you’d like to proceed.”

Step 2: Set Clear Deadlines for Feedback

To avoid delays, it can be helpful to set a clear timeline for feedback upfront, especially for larger projects. If the client hasn’t responded within the agreed-upon timeline, you can remind them of the deadline in a polite and professional manner.  

5. When to Escalate the Issue to Forhopp Support

If the client continues to delay approval or isn’t providing useful feedback, and you’ve already attempted to resolve the issue directly, it may be time to escalate the matter to Forhopp Support. Here’s when to consider reaching out to support:

• The client has been unresponsive for an extended period (e.g., several days or weeks).
• The client is requesting unreasonable revisions or additional work that wasn’t agreed upon in the original scope.
• There’s a dispute over payment or the scope of work.

To contact Forhopp Support, visit the Help Center and choose Submit a Request. Be sure to include all relevant communication, such as messages and project details.  

6. Preventing Non-Approval Issues in the Future

While not every situation can be prevented, you can take steps to minimize the risk of non-approval by ensuring clear communication and setting expectations early on:

• Set Clear Expectations: Ensure that both you and the client are on the same page regarding the project scope, deliverables, and timelines before starting.
• Request Regular Feedback: Ask for feedback throughout the project, not just at the end. This way, you can address any issues early on.
• Provide Regular Updates: Keep your client updated with your progress, especially if the project is taking longer than expected.

 

Conclusion

If a client doesn’t approve your submitted work on Forhopp, the key is to stay calm, professional, and solution-oriented. By following a structured approach to communication, responding to feedback constructively, and working together to resolve issues, you can increase the likelihood of securing approval and maintaining a positive client relationship. Remember, clear communication and setting proper expectations from the outset are essential for minimizing approval delays in the future. If you ever need additional help, Forhopp’s Support Team is available to assist you in resolving any challenges you may face.