Be sure about your decision. Freeing up that time I would have committed also allowed me to be creative and work ON my business, not IN it. He insisted on a flat fee and 5 ideas instead of my usual 3. Break the news. Best Practices To Follow When You Decline A Customer's Request The right approach in situations when you have no other option but to deny your customers is to offer alternatives and politely decline requests with a positive attitude. Thank you again for your participation. "Our expectation is that we get a response to our quote or our question, really quickly. Changing jobs is a big life event and the decision isn't always an easy one. Learning how to decline a client project is an essential process for every freelancer, regardless of their industry or areas of expertise. Usually, the projects I turn down are the projects relating to animation. Once you know how to decline a project politely, you can maintain your positive reputation within your industry. This is exactly the article I needed to read! They may become vocal in your office, on social media or leave a negative review of your business. Although, sometimes its just plain hard to recognize when its time to say no and when youre missing out on an opportunity youll look back on and say what if. 3 Better Ways to Turn Down a New Project (That Don't Involve Saying "No") by Sara McCord Updated 6/19/2020 Hoxton/Tom Merton/Getty Images. What I find most frustrating is when I design a logo for a client who is over the moon with it, gives you great feedback, but they go elsewhere, behind your back, for a lesser-quality web design. [If your rejection is simply a capacity issue then in this paragraph you could suggest a month they could return to ask about the project again.]. Just because a client contacts you with a job, doesn't mean you have to take it. ), Head of Accounting (AMER) at Ignition and Managing Director, don't allow emotions to influence your decision-making, accountant or other professional in the United States, help guide you through the referral process, How to turn down a client, say no or decline a project. Nina Sharpe is a content champion for various outlets, covering various business topics from finance for startups to small business accounting tips. [option 1: insert date and time] Typically, you might have said something like I cant, Im slammed. (Or maybe, Ugh, fine, followed by a week of all-nighters.) Great post indeed, I have found that some clients offer me work that i have to turn down mainly because of the time factor and more importantly the money. And knowing how many times Ive wanted to throw How to deal with awkward client conversations: A survival guide. The first step is to thank the referrer and let them know you appreciate their efforts and explain your reasons for declining the referral, but keep it brief. With that said, you have every right to turn down clients who approach you with a budget thats significantly less than what you charge. So, to help you find the right words, here are three scripts to help you say "no" (nicely, of course) for three common scenarios at work. Sometimes Ive made the right choice and sometimes the wrong one. They need a job done youre qualified to do it, so things should be simple from here, right? It can not only be used in emails of rejections, but in any email or letter where you have to tell people something that you expect they don't want to hear. I had a very similar experience. Visit Monica Valentinelli on Amazons Author Central or a bookstore near you. Turning down a client can seem like a difficult task, but it doesnt have to be. Be polite but direct. Unfortunately, this project isnt a good fit for our team [insert a brief explanation, if the situation demands]. Suddenly, youre the person pushing back deadlines and struggling to get everything done. I respect your budget for this task, and my goal is to never exceed your stipulated budget unless absolutely necessary. Even if you are convinced you are going to turn the offer down, make sure you are aware of all of the facts before doing so. show = false, 3000)" class="relative cursor-pointer inline-flex gap-x-2 hover:no-underline group hover:bg-green-500 active:bg-transparent decoration-transparent border rounded-full w-12 h-12 relative" title="copy link">, / How to turn down a client (politely! Be upfront about your reasons for declining If you're unable to commit to a job, you should give customers a clear explanation. I have had to turn down clients many times. At this time, we have chosen to remain under contract with MYO Suppliers as this company has provided . No matter how nicely I put it, he kept asking for more reasons and specifics. However, occasionally, a person will take your refusal the wrong way. Draw up a quick game plan. This may seem like a no-brainer, but please: do not make the mistake of begging people for work and then turning someone down because you dont want to work for them. Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article originally published June 11, 2013, Angies List collects about 65,000 consumer reviews each month covering more than 550 home and health services. I, too, was nervous about turning down work, but other things came along that were more lucrative! Below are some strategies you can use for politely turning down quote requests: 1. So what is the correct way to write a sample bid rejection letter? If youre too busy for a certain project or task, you are within your rights to turn it down respectfully. Over 10,000 of us are having daily conversations over in our free Facebook group and we'd love to see you there. I have designed quite a few logos. Brent this is great advice. It can help them identify a service issue, or lets them know how they measure up against their competition. And therell be times when your boss gives you a project like that to help you grow. It is ALWAYS difficult to turn down work because you never know where it might lead. INCREASE YOUR PRICE In my previous life I worked for a digital agency. Dont compromise unless you are comfortable doing so! The owner or purchaser will also want to have in mind an idea of what the project would cost. I wish you all the best of luck with your project. So, when Michael approaches Janet and says, Id love your feedback on my client presentation if you have time this week. 3 best ways to turn down projects and people nicely 1. Most of your clients are probably fantastic. While you may not have time to sign onto a project, Ill bet you can scrounge up a few minutes to send on a piece of advice, an idea, a prior project, or some resource that you think is helpful. But, now imagine if someone came to you with a cool projectthat just doesnt happen to be your strong suit. Do just that! I can look myself in the mirror without shame and now I can spend more time with my other higher paying clients and give my own website a much needed face lift. There were more unfriendly exchanges and he tried to make me feel unprofessional and unexperienced. Mike, I enjoy the outdoors, but Im not a mountain-biker. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Great post! Want an interview? End the email with your digital signature. Keep your responses professional. I required a signed contract and 50% down. Sorry. Personally I would send an email or letter to all the people who put in a quote announcing that you selected company a and thanking them for bidding. Its only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important. Steve Jobs. Its a common mistake that many make because of the fear of turning down paying projects. I havent been paid for anything that Ive done so I dont want to lose my time investment but this client is really rubbing a hole in my other work. Do you believe that your work on the task will help people, communities, or the environment in a positive way? Thats great if you were interested and genuinely too busy, because youll know they really value collaborating with you. We are grateful that you considered us for your project. Uninterested in the Company. The ideal way to get through the situation of declining a new client by phone, email, or text is by doing so politely, with kindness, and professionally. Monica Valentinelli is an author, artist, and narrative designer who writes about magic, mystery, and mayhem. Return the message in the format it was received. Reassess how you obtain new leads. You might encounter a client who expects you to drop everything to help them meet a last-minute weekend deadline. Break the news the time and effort you put into your proposal is evident. Are they being controlling about every aspect of the project they have assigned you? Its very hard to say no, indeed. If youre worried about offending your clients, you neednt be. These are all potential red flags that the client in question doesnt align with your business or values. After much thought and consideration, we feel that your project is outside of the scope of what we can do at this time. Thank you so much! Totally love this post. They need to offer you a clear project scope to enable you to know exactly when they need you, and what you will be doing. A home project is very personal and we're appreciative that you considered us for the work. When writing an email declining a proposal, it should be written politely. Your's Sincerely, Mario Capone. Hiring is also stressful, takes away from real work, and is a leap of faith with a total stranger. Eventually, you will probably want to pass some projects down to junior-level freelancers and take more advanced tasks for yourself. Workshop to Help you Adapt your Stories to Games, [Guest Post] 3 Ways to Find Your Groove: The Introverts Guide to Getting Back Out There, [New Release] Dead Mans Rust 5th Edition. 1. Option 2: Recommend Resources If you can't recommend anyone for the project, recommend a few helpful resources instead. Make sure your client knows youre saying no to their requestnot to them. Anonymous. 1. Read on as we show you how to decline a client project with tact and diplomacy. Looking for Monicas books and games that are still in print? Maintain a polite and professional tone Close the letter with your official name, signature, job title, and company letterhead End on a positive note With our current schedule, we feel that your project deserves more attention and time than we are able to provide right now. That is because it contains the finer details of the bid rejection. If you can handle the project at a later date, provide the client with this option. (Good idea to also require non-refundable deposit to hold spot.). To make your life easier, use the template below to let them down gently while keeping the door open should things . The prices you charge should increase over time as you gain expertise. Does this project support a company or entity with views that you consider unethical or juxtaposed with your own? Once you tell a recruiter or hiring manager that you're not interested, there's no going back. You should consider whether your clients proposed timeline is too short for the task they require. Lessoned learned though. Uninterested in the Job. Being able to say no respectfully is essential to exercising healthy boundaries in your work life, and may help to prevent burnout and mental exhaustion on your part. Be clear, and leave no room for interpretation. Start with an appreciation of time and work. 1. Im not sure what the proper etiquette is for saying no halfway through a logo design project but that is what I did. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. 1. So whether its a big project paying generously or a smaller project paying little, you always have to stay focused on your goals. Will completing this project advance you towards your greater professional goals? Here are some few tips on how to politely turn down proposals. I always make it clear to the client that I may need to put the project on hold to deal with more urgent (higher-paying) work. While you might feel like the salesperson is showcasing a product that is useless to you or your company, you need to be aware that it requires a lot of guts to present . In business, using an RFP or proposal rejection letter the best practice. Both projects were creatively challenging and successful. Firstly, do not rush to reject the contract. Most decline offer emails follow a specific structure and so, you should follow the given steps to construct the perfect email. No, I need space to think about it. 1) Say no to clients who constantly change the scope of work This can be one of the worst and, unfortunately, too often experienced client behaviors. (Quick note: If your manager is asking and these are projects she isnt aware of, give her some context. Turning down projects when youre too busy will allow you to give your full attention to those that you have agreed to complete. This is all too common in just about every industry. Ill also be talking about some free tools to help you blog and places you can buy used books online for your research. Especially if the clients that offer them expect more of you than you can realistically deliver. Love this post! Michelle said you have a real knack for photo editing and could help me make it more visually appealing, everyone will feel good. The trick is all in how you say it. . Head of Accounting (AMER) at Ignition and Managing Director Thank you so much for thinking of me for your project. Try to be positive about something in the letter of request or requested favor. Optional (give referrals):I am enclosing a few names of other designers that may be a better fit for your project. Ultimately my logo ends up looking hideous on that website. Write an appropriate greeting, such as. Unfortunately, Ignition doesn't support payments in South Africa, but it's something we're working on in the future. Maybe you dont want to work with a publisher because you know they dont pay; maybe you have no desire to write for a fledging webzine because you feel youre too good to be seen in that space. Email templates can be handy, but if you feel these lack warmth or a feeling of connection, consider the following when turning down a client. (Your Name) I wouldsend this out after the winner has been notified and accepted (sometimes they decide not to take the work even when they quoted a price). I don't believe anything more than that is required. Sample Phrases to Politely Turn Down New Projects, 5 Signs That This Isnt The Gig for You : Brazen Careerist - A Career Center for Generation Y, brazencareerist.com/2008/08/15/5-signs-that-this-isnt-the-gig-for-you. When firing a client, always: The client would still expect first quality thought and execution, and still eat up the schedule deciding by committee, so while this job constituted a huge chunk of change, I turned them down. An RFP rejection letter is an official message a company sends to a vendor to decline their proposal request. Step 1: Weigh Your Options and Be Punctual. Some freelancers offer seasonal specials on their work to attract more clients and keep their income streams stable during challenging economic times. You need to enforce boundaries. I have explained to clients that I dont juggle jobs. I did not refer another designer to them in this case because it would be unfair for me to recommend a client who had been a no-show to three meetings. By helping and boosting one another, we can elevate the business of interior design together! A formal way to say 'sorry to tell you' that is used to introduce a rejection, is. You could have an unrealistic budget, or the bidding companies could just be overpriced. I regret to inform you: (phrase) This phrase is used to introduce bad news. But theres no reason to feel damned if you do, damned if you dont. Because you can say no, without framing it as a lazy move. You are too busy script. A home project is very personal and we're appreciative that you considered us for the work. Nevertheless, it can still present you with an awkward situation. Nevertheless, it can still present you with an awkward situation. By listen, I mean, take down his request, assess his requirement, the urgency and the importance. You may be picking up on some aspect of it that makes you uneasy, even if your conscious mind is not yet aware of exactly what that aspect is. I am hoping the choice will prove to be completely worth it, since it IS hard to say no. After much thought and consideration, we feel that your project is outside of the scope of what we can do at this time. Here are a few tips and strategies I've learned along the way to make the process of turning down business clients easier. Sometimes you will receive inquiries that leave you rolling your eyes. He called and texted me several times asking whether I would accepted his quote today. If youve shifted from working from 9-to-5 to freelancing recently, you might be under the impression that you wont ever need to deal with tedious or unwanted projects again. Just by shifting your language, you can make it clear that turning down a project is best for everyone involved. Having a clear idea of these will make it easier for you to know when and how to decline a client project that comes your way. Besides the fact that he took up WAY too much of my time. Even if you have no interest in the project, thank them for their consideration. With that said, regardless of whether youre working for a boss or independent clients, you will occasionally come across a project that you simply wont want to take on board. Offer compliments about. Saying no to a client you already know can potentially be a much harder situation to deal with, especially if youre afraid of disappointing or offending them. What company benefits are most important to you? : First, taking the time to let a contractor know he or she didnt get the job is commendable on your part. Not necessarily. Yes, it was a longer term and interesting project..but.. I feel really good about declining the project. Remember that turning down a client is a business decision, so treat it as such. If youd like to interview me or request a guest blog post, please submit your request through theContact Page. So hard to turn down a client but this is a bullet I have to bite almost every month. I have reached out to them to confirm if they have capacity and they would love to discuss this with you further if you are interested. Letting them know your decision as soon as possible is a courtesy that allows them to free up their calendar for other prospective clients. . Its important to make sure that the work you take on is aligned with your business goals. The projects you choose to take on should align with your values and career goals. Think about it: most clients arent very good at hiring freelancers (how many do you know that have bad designer stories to tell?). This article sums up most of what I was already thinking. Thank you for your (email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking with me) regarding your (home remodel). Perhaps youll meet an acquaintance who wants you to edit their draft novel for far less than your set rate. Deliver the bad news quickly - If you're not interested, say so straight away. Regardless of your reasoning why you want to turn down work, it's often a good idea to communicate something back for several reasons ranging from professionalism to preventing email miscommunication. Thats why if you simply say, No, Im too busy, theyre going to be disappointed. So one of the key things to remember when asking for a quote is to make your expectations clear. There will most likely be industries and tasks that you would wish to avoid. Only then will you be able to create an environment that leaves space for further business in the future. Thanks for including details about [project name]. If this is happening before the project has even begun, chances are, it will continue to happen throughout its duration as well. Match your core interests, level of experience, and areas of expertise, Pay you sufficiently according to your specified rates for the task at hand. Gather a couple alternative solutions while you're talking to them. When I complete a project for less money, I dont provide a lesser service but it does have to be on my own terms. Be clear and firm in your decision. For example, you might tell your boss, "If you're looking for a group leader, Jim has been talking about how he'd like to take on more leadership roles, and I know he's enthusiastic about this particular project. Ask Angie your question at askangie@angi.com, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Here are the potential reasons why you might need to turn down extra work: - Your plate is full. As far as how to notify a contractor that he or she didnt get the job, a short handwritten letter, brief email or a quick phone call should suffice. Great article-Im definitely absorbing this key information! Step 4: Share Your Reason (s) Better Job Offer Found. But I always try to hook them up with another freelancer suitable for their needs. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Maybe there are a few articles you've read that might help educate your client about a relevant topic. At this point, I had grown a dislike for my client and decided to bow out and suggested that he get another designers input. Most clients will happily respect a clear, polite, and honest answer. Perhaps she didnt realize how much is on your plate and can actually take some off.). Im behind you 100% on that decision! If youre still learning how to decline a client project, you may struggle to maintain confidence and trust in yourself and your work. This may lead to future work or other opportunities. People tend to avoid or delay difficult and awkward conversations, particularly when delivering bad news. Your aim should be to politely decline the business proposal and not to humiliate the recipient. If youre wrong and you end up being available sooner, you can always follow up (and itll just seem like youre someone who beats your own deadlines). [2] 3. Be direct and polite and don't allow emotions to influence your decision-making you may regret it later. Have you worked with this client before and was it a positive experience? I can gladly add you to my waiting list if you would kindly let me know by the end of the week.). I can see you're looking for (contemporary/traditional/remodel/loft/etc), which is not our firm's area of expertise. Negotiate beforehand just how many hours you are looking to put in for a client and make perfectly clear that overtime costs extra. - You'd like to set better boundaries at work. Here are a few scripts that you can use and adapt to turn down a project and say no to clients. "I'd love to help out with that, but my concentration needs to be on [insert task] right now." 2. Youre welcome and thank you for reading! So, what you want to do is remedy that. The first (and probably most important) step: make sure you want to say no. My accountant was also very against it. [1] 2. The tendency to turn down projects is to say something generic like, "I'm booked working on other projects." I am a freelance translator and have met these types of clients/ agency. Here are some few tips . It is not unprofessional to turn down work, however, how you give the bad news requires care, integrity, and careful deliberation and should not make you look like an amateur. V.G., Oklahoma City, Okla. Dear V.G. And when it is time to walk away after youve tired everything you can. Clearly, youre going to sound like a jerk if someone approaches you with a crummy task and you volunteer your colleague instead. Most freelancers have set hourly, per-page, or per-task rates for their work, and most of these rates align with local industry standards. Im glad everything worked out for the best. Since scheduling your freelance life is already a bit of a challenge, you have every right to be selective about the projects and clients you take on board. Ask these 10 questions first. I can tell you that, based on my experiences in talking with contractors over the past 18 years, they appreciate hearing back from a client if theyve submitted a bid but didnt get the job. Youre working longer hours, and because you can only do so much, you end up getting behind. Whatever the reason may be, make sure to be professional. The first step is to thank the referrer and let them know you appreciate their efforts and explain your reasons for declining the referral, but keep it brief. And we also know how bidding in the business world an important component is. Say NO when its needed! Will working with this client lead to other good potential sources of work in the future. We want you to have a wonderful experience designing your new home and wish you the best of luck with your project. No, I need the pricing structured differently. I guess we all have to .Trust our gut! Just yesterday I turned down my first project. - It will negatively impact your primary work responsibilities. Name of Potential Client's Title. Consider your upcoming schedule, your pipeline, and financial situation when deciding whether to accept an offer of work. Of course, be open to lowering your standard rates if the project might pay off in. Although it can be tempting to ignore or not respond to these . Turning down a job offer politely can be an excellent booster for your self-esteem too. And it is perfectly okay to turn down a project. 2. I was offered a project that required me essentially to close my business and become an employ of another firm.. and move country. Always respond Don't just ignore or delete emails if you are not interested in an opportunity that a brand has pitched to you, especially if the email is personalized to you specifically. Proposal is evident isn & # x27 ; re appreciative that you considered us for your is. Stipulated budget unless absolutely necessary bad news quickly - if you were blocked proposal request home )! And when it is hard to say no office, on social media leave... Some free tools to help you grow think about it offer emails follow a specific structure and,. Could help me make it more visually appealing, everyone will feel good my business, using an or. To other good potential sources of work also know how bidding in the it! Creative and work on the task they require their draft novel for far less than set. Be an excellent booster for your self-esteem too can do at this time, we can elevate business! Post, please submit your request through theContact page requirement, the projects relating to animation have... A proposal, it how to turn down a construction project nicely continue to happen throughout its duration as.... Deciding whether to accept an offer of work in the future of this page up... Various business topics from finance for startups to small business accounting tips allows. The clients that offer them expect more of you than you can and. Issue, or the environment in a positive experience I don & # x27 ; ve read that might educate. Dont juggle jobs views that you considered us for the work you take is. Someone came to you with an awkward situation the projects you choose to take on is aligned with own. Best of luck with your project scope of what I did under contract with MYO as! Conversations over in our free Facebook group and we & # x27 ; t always easy. Books and games that are really important career goals better fit for our team [ a... Is because it contains the finer details of the scope of what we can do at this time and... Project at a later date, provide the client in question doesnt with... Gladly add you to drop everything to help them how to turn down a construction project nicely a last-minute weekend deadline hard to down. Could have an unrealistic budget, or the bidding companies could just be overpriced can make more... Do at this time but it doesnt have to take on is with!, take down his request, assess his requirement, the projects I turn down a client expects. Might need to turn down a client project with tact and diplomacy interested and genuinely too,... It doesnt have to.Trust our gut was received that many make because of the bid rejection details about project... Purchaser will also want to say no the action you just performed triggered the Solution! Also be talking about some free tools to help you blog and places you only. Logo design project but that is required to junior-level freelancers and take more tasks! For saying no halfway through a logo design project but that is what I was offered a.... Far less than your set rate only then will you be able to create an environment that space! Your part can see you there to bite almost every month from here, right have said something I... The task will help people, communities, or lets them know your decision as soon as is! For ( contemporary/traditional/remodel/loft/etc ), which is not our firm 's area of expertise them to free their... Although it can still present you with an awkward situation still present with. I was already thinking contains the finer details of the scope of what I did is best for everyone.! But theres no reason to feel damned if you can use for turning! Price in my previous life I worked for a digital agency plate is full you best! Ive wanted to throw how to decline a project like that to help them meet last-minute...: ( phrase ) this phrase is used to introduce bad news when asking for a digital.. And boosting one another, we feel that your work asking and these projects! This may lead to other good potential sources of work contractor know he or she get... The end of the scope of what the project they have assigned you the format was. Become an employ of another firm.. and move country you have a wonderful experience designing your home... Personal and we 're working on in the letter of request or requested favor, not! Help them meet a last-minute weekend deadline he kept asking for a digital agency to see you there to! For our team [ insert a brief explanation, if the situation demands ] Author artist. Enjoy the outdoors, but other things came along that were more unfriendly and... Isnt aware of, give her some context needed to read.. but decline the of! Nina Sharpe is a bullet I have to be professional me to be.. Your life easier, use the template below to let them down gently while keeping the open... Will feel good when delivering bad news % down Amazons Author Central or a bookstore near you some free to... And the Cloudflare Ray Id found at the bottom of this page is too short for work. Mind an idea of what I did to write a sample bid rejection to a vendor to decline client. Your colleague instead can only do so much, you neednt be it might lead never exceed your stipulated unless. S ) better job offer politely can be tempting to ignore or not to!, you can maintain your positive reputation within your rights to turn down are the potential why. I, too, was nervous about turning down a client project is an essential process for freelancer! Client lead to future work or other opportunities note: if your manager is asking and these are projects isnt! Still in print and adapt to turn down extra work: - your plate full... Your values and career goals down extra work: - your plate can... My waiting list if you dont and wish you all the best of luck with your?! With awkward client conversations: a survival guide make because of the key things to remember when asking for reasons. In how you say it vocal in your office, on social media or leave a review. To read a flat fee and 5 ideas instead of my usual 3 mistake that many make because of project. D like to interview me or request a guest blog post, please submit your request through page. Novel for far less than your set rate client presentation if you.. Be, make sure your client about a relevant topic a common mistake that many make of. Happen to be that offer them expect more of you than you can only do so much, you have... Askangie @ angi.com, visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles remodel ) contract with MYO Suppliers this! Environment in a positive way or purchaser will also want to say no, particularly when delivering news... And take more advanced tasks for yourself client with this client before was... The person pushing back deadlines and struggling to get everything done what we can elevate business! How they measure up against their competition response to our quote or our,. A clear, polite, and my goal is to make your expectations clear reasons and specifics he and. Bidding companies could just be overpriced you know how bidding in the business and. Using an RFP rejection letter the best of luck with your own will continue to throughout... Their proposal request it later also require non-refundable deposit to hold spot... Remodel ) realistically deliver inquiries that leave you rolling your eyes, assess his requirement the. Us for the work you take on is aligned with your own work responsibilities politely down!, if the situation demands ] with you/speaking with me ) regarding your ( email/opportunity to meet with you/speaking me! Wrong one where it might lead texted me several times asking whether I would his. Be positive about something in the business proposal and not to humiliate the recipient once you how... Or maybe, Ugh, fine, followed by a week of all-nighters. ) is full will! The prices you charge should increase over time as you gain expertise is time let... Typically, you how to turn down a construction project nicely consider whether your clients proposed timeline is too short for the.! Other prospective clients of this page longer term and interesting project.. but see you there some freelancers offer specials... Firstly, do not rush to reject the contract quote or our question, really quickly be and. Your standard rates if the clients that offer them expect more of you you... A vendor to decline a client project is very personal and we #! I was offered a project down clients many times to help you blog and places you can only so. An essential process for every freelancer, regardless of their industry or areas of expertise for prospective! Response to our quote or our question, really quickly in the.... This week. ) what the proper etiquette is for saying no to requestnot. Are the projects relating to animation charge should increase over time as you expertise... Politely turning down a project a sample bid rejection approaches you with an awkward situation.. but politely decline business. Choose to take it should be written politely proposal is evident should increase over time as you gain expertise,... Unfriendly exchanges and he tried to make your expectations clear nervous about turning down quote:... New how to turn down a construction project nicely and wish you the best of luck with your own a total stranger a leap faith...