Client unresponsive for four weeks. Can I close the contract?

[richardsd]

Hello,

I have a client under contract. The contract began October 24th, 2018. Initially the job progressed well. I carried out the required task. We then hit a brick wall. I had a requirement of the client to carry out a task on his side which would allow me to proceed and complete the job.

Over a period of four weeks I have messaged the client asking him if the work he needs to complete is done. He always answers no. While I understand that freelancers can often be at the whim of the client and their priorities, and that the guy may be busy with other things in his business, I am now in an awkward position. I believe that having an open contract with no payment over a period of time can negatively impact my job success score.

What is the communitiies recommendation on handling this situation? I could close the contract but I am concerned the impact this will have.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

[tlbp]

So you've turned in work but had no payments? You could submit a request for payment for a pro-rated amount based on the work you've done.  4 weeks really isn't that long though. It is a busy time of year, the client is probably doing other things related to the business, etc. 

Besides, closing a contract without any payment is just as bad or worse than leaving a contract open for a few weeks. 

[petra_r]

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@Richard C wrote:

Hello,

I have a client under contract. The contract began October 24th, 2018. Initially the job progressed well. I carried out the required task. We then hit a brick wall. I had a requirement of the client to carry out a task on his side which would allow me to proceed and complete the job.

Over a period of four weeks I have messaged the client asking him if the work he needs to complete is done. He always answers no. While I understand that freelancers can often be at the whim of the client and their priorities, and that the guy may be busy with other things in his business, I am now in an awkward position. I believe that having an open contract with no payment over a period of time can negatively impact my job success score.

What is the communitiies recommendation on handling this situation? I could close the contract but I am concerned the impact this will have.

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 If you have received any payment at all it under tha contact and you don't have a lot of such contracts (you don't) it has no impact to let it sit there idle and wait for the client to come back.

Like Tonya said, it's not even a month, nothing to worry about.