Does the Forum Affect Your Attitude to Clients?

[eoinfinnegan]

So I spend a lot of time on the forum and as a Mod, I tend to read or at least scan the majority of topics that are posted. This is great in many ways as I get to hear about issues and bugs and can react or check for them before they affect me. However, after a little incident today, I am wondering if some of the negativity that the forum has at times affects me and gives me a negative attitude to clients when something is wrong.

Today, I got an order of $175. It was including a $100 extra fast fee which is unusual as well as the fact that they had not contacted me first - again unusual for a larger order.
The actual order was for translation but the number of words in the document was 5 times what had been paid for. Immediately my mind went to “this guy is trying to screw me” and as I debated whether to just cancel it, I thought each of the following:

• He has tried to get it extra fast but without paying the fee properly
• He is trying to take advantage of the unwillingness of sellers to cancel orders now
• He is hoping I will just do it because it is a big order
• Various other complicated scenarios based on the experiences I have read about on here.

After taking some deep breaths through a cigarette I sent a nice message explaining that they had underpaid and with a custom extra for the additional amount of $275. The buyer paid the extra within 5 minutes and apologized, they misunderstood the package description.

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

[offlinehelpers]

Nope - the majority of people are still good at heart - you just hear more about the dodgy ones on here.

Can’t see many sellers having the time and inclination to post about having the most amazing buyers - it’s human nature to moan about the bad stuff! ☀️

[jonbaas]

So I spend a lot of time on the forum and as a Mod, I tend to read or at least scan the majority of topics that are posted. This is great in many ways as I get to hear about issues and bugs and can react or check for them before they affect me. However, after a little incident today, I am wondering if some of the negativity that the forum has at times affects me and gives me a negative attitude to clients when something is wrong.

Today, I got an order of $175. It was including a $100 extra fast fee which is unusual as well as the fact that they had not contacted me first - again unusual for a larger order.

The actual order was for translation but the number of words in the document was 5 times what had been paid for. Immediately my mind went to “this guy is trying to screw me” and as I debated whether to just cancel it, I thought each of the following:

• He has tried to get it extra fast but without paying the fee properly
• He is trying to take advantage of the unwillingness of sellers to cancel orders now
• He is hoping I will just do it because it is a big order
• Various other complicated scenarios based on the experiences I have read about on here.

After taking some deep breaths through a cigarette I sent a nice message explaining that they had underpaid and with a custom extra for the additional amount of $275. The buyer paid the extra within 5 minutes and apologized, they misunderstood the package description.

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

The disturbing thing I’ve seen on the forum is that many sellers would have done just that – cancelled in a heartbeat, and lost out on some valuable profit in the process.

Far too many sellers jump at cancellation, instead of working things out with the buyer so that a cancellation isn’t necessary. And then those same sellers complain when their cancellation rate drops below the level requirement, and they are demoted.

Is Fiverr really full of so many sellers that refuse to think outside the box?

[prroducer99plus]

Lol I’m guilty of this thought process myself.

Had a buyer want fast delivery and didn’t pay. I was worried I had a problem buyer I sent him a message and he didn’t respond for some time. I was ready to cancel and he responds, apologizes, and pays the fee.

I felt so guilty about even being so cynical i worked and delivered fast as I could just because great buyers deserve great service, rather than to lose out due to the actions of other buyers.

[newsmike]

So I spend a lot of time on the forum and as a Mod, I tend to read or at least scan the majority of topics that are posted. This is great in many ways as I get to hear about issues and bugs and can react or check for them before they affect me. However, after a little incident today, I am wondering if some of the negativity that the forum has at times affects me and gives me a negative attitude to clients when something is wrong.

Today, I got an order of $175. It was including a $100 extra fast fee which is unusual as well as the fact that they had not contacted me first - again unusual for a larger order.

The actual order was for translation but the number of words in the document was 5 times what had been paid for. Immediately my mind went to “this guy is trying to screw me” and as I debated whether to just cancel it, I thought each of the following:

• He has tried to get it extra fast but without paying the fee properly
• He is trying to take advantage of the unwillingness of sellers to cancel orders now
• He is hoping I will just do it because it is a big order
• Various other complicated scenarios based on the experiences I have read about on here.

After taking some deep breaths through a cigarette I sent a nice message explaining that they had underpaid and with a custom extra for the additional amount of $275. The buyer paid the extra within 5 minutes and apologized, they misunderstood the package description.

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

In my experience most folks will be happy to pay the extra if they ordered in error. It s up to us to give them the benefit of the doubt and explain the situation. That way it may work out, and if they turn into a monster, you can always demonstrate to CS (by reviewing) the message thread who was the adult and who was the jackhole.

The only time I just rush to cancel is if you are just plain rude to me, or one of those folks who send you 12 messages in an hour that look like this:

Any News?

Hello

Hey?

You there?

etc, etc…

[uxreview]

So I spend a lot of time on the forum and as a Mod, I tend to read or at least scan the majority of topics that are posted. This is great in many ways as I get to hear about issues and bugs and can react or check for them before they affect me. However, after a little incident today, I am wondering if some of the negativity that the forum has at times affects me and gives me a negative attitude to clients when something is wrong.

Today, I got an order of $175. It was including a $100 extra fast fee which is unusual as well as the fact that they had not contacted me first - again unusual for a larger order.

The actual order was for translation but the number of words in the document was 5 times what had been paid for. Immediately my mind went to “this guy is trying to screw me” and as I debated whether to just cancel it, I thought each of the following:

• He has tried to get it extra fast but without paying the fee properly
• He is trying to take advantage of the unwillingness of sellers to cancel orders now
• He is hoping I will just do it because it is a big order
• Various other complicated scenarios based on the experiences I have read about on here.

After taking some deep breaths through a cigarette I sent a nice message explaining that they had underpaid and with a custom extra for the additional amount of $275. The buyer paid the extra within 5 minutes and apologized, they misunderstood the package description.

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

I am wondering if some of the negativity that the forum has at times affects me and gives me a negative attitude to clients when something is wrong.

It has definitely made me more cautious about my clients. I’m not yet sure if it’s a bad thing, but I don’t jump on every order instantly anymore. I give 1-2 days before I even start working and in the meantime I send a few messages back and forth to feel out the customer.

[nikavoice]

So I spend a lot of time on the forum and as a Mod, I tend to read or at least scan the majority of topics that are posted. This is great in many ways as I get to hear about issues and bugs and can react or check for them before they affect me. However, after a little incident today, I am wondering if some of the negativity that the forum has at times affects me and gives me a negative attitude to clients when something is wrong.

Today, I got an order of $175. It was including a $100 extra fast fee which is unusual as well as the fact that they had not contacted me first - again unusual for a larger order.

The actual order was for translation but the number of words in the document was 5 times what had been paid for. Immediately my mind went to “this guy is trying to screw me” and as I debated whether to just cancel it, I thought each of the following:

• He has tried to get it extra fast but without paying the fee properly
• He is trying to take advantage of the unwillingness of sellers to cancel orders now
• He is hoping I will just do it because it is a big order
• Various other complicated scenarios based on the experiences I have read about on here.

After taking some deep breaths through a cigarette I sent a nice message explaining that they had underpaid and with a custom extra for the additional amount of $275. The buyer paid the extra within 5 minutes and apologized, they misunderstood the package description.

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

Does the Forum Affect Your Attitude to Clients?

No way, José!

I keep my attitude in check. I’m a feisty one and don’t take crapola from anybody. However, I would never approach each contact - potential (buyer) as if they’re out to Fudge me over. Instead, I give them the benefit of the doubt. If I sense they are full of 💩, I move on.

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

Yup! You would’ve screwed yourself out of $275. 😬

saved by the 🔔

[uk1000]

Imagine if I had just cancelled it?

The disturbing thing I’ve seen on the forum is that many sellers would have done just that – cancelled in a heartbeat, and lost out on some valuable profit in the process.

Far too many sellers jump at cancellation, instead of working things out with the buyer so that a cancellation isn’t necessary. And then those same sellers complain when their cancellation rate drops below the level requirement, and they are demoted.

Is Fiverr really full of so many sellers that refuse to think outside the box?

And then those same sellers complain when their cancellation rate drops below the level requirement

Wouldn’t the cancellation rate increase after a cancellation and the order completion rate decrease?

[misscrystal]

It has zero affect on how I regard clients because I get such nice ones. I only average one or possibly two problems a year, which is pretty good.

In the situation you mentioned I would have simply done what you eventually did and let him know he needs to pay more.

[pacquo]

Does the Forum Affect Your Attitude to Clients?

It’s an interesting question.

I imposed to myself to read the forum - and sometimes to write something - to practice detachment, understanding and communication.

[jonbaas]

And then those same sellers complain when their cancellation rate drops below the level requirement

Wouldn’t the cancellation rate increase after a cancellation and the order completion rate decrease?

Wouldn’t the cancellation rate increase after a cancellation and the order completion rate decrease?

Technically, yes. Cancellation rate increases… completion rate decreases.

[miiila]

It does, I’m often really grateful for almost all of my buyers so far. 😉

But yes, I think it makes me more careful too, and probably led to me not getting/accepting a few jobs I might else have gotten/done, because the spidey senses are imbued with a lot of forum reading hours. 👀 If for good, or for bad. Some of those may have turned out okay, who knows, others probably not. All in all, I think I´m better off with “forum knowledge background”.

[eoinfinnegan]

I am wondering if some of the negativity that the forum has at times affects me and gives me a negative attitude to clients when something is wrong.

It has definitely made me more cautious about my clients. I’m not yet sure if it’s a bad thing, but I don’t jump on every order instantly anymore. I give 1-2 days before I even start working and in the meantime I send a few messages back and forth to feel out the customer.

It has definitely made me more cautious about my clients. I’m not yet sure if it’s a bad thing, but I don’t jump on every order instantly anymore.

I think that is wise, it helps iron out any potential issues before you commit too much.

I keep my attitude in check. I’m a feisty one and don’t take crapola from anybody.

In the situation you mentioned I would have simply done what you eventually did

Dont get me wrong, I would never be unprofessional with a client - the different attitude would be more about sending a less positive message and just saying something like “You have not paid the right amount so I am cancelling the order. yada yada yada” instead of my positive nice-guy attitude I had this time.

[newsmike]

It does, I’m often really grateful for almost all of my buyers so far. 😉

But yes, I think it makes me more careful too, and probably led to me not getting/accepting a few jobs I might else have gotten/done, because the spidey senses are imbued with a lot of forum reading hours. 👀 If for good, or for bad. Some of those may have turned out okay, who knows, others probably not. All in all, I think I´m better off with “forum knowledge background”.

It does, I’m often really grateful for almost all of my buyers so far.

And human nature is that we are much more inclined to make noise when we are mad. 99.5% of my clients are great, and I never come here to praise them. One Bozo tries to screw me and here I am with a new thread.

[newsmike]

It has definitely made me more cautious about my clients. I’m not yet sure if it’s a bad thing, but I don’t jump on every order instantly anymore.

I think that is wise, it helps iron out any potential issues before you commit too much.

I keep my attitude in check. I’m a feisty one and don’t take crapola from anybody.

In the situation you mentioned I would have simply done what you eventually did

Dont get me wrong, I would never be unprofessional with a client - the different attitude would be more about sending a less positive message and just saying something like “You have not paid the right amount so I am cancelling the order. yada yada yada” instead of my positive nice-guy attitude I had this time.

I keep my attitude in check. I’m a feisty one and don’t take crapola from anybody.

That’s why I always say you must be part Sicilian. “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.”

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7bu4ZLGQTSBRJIBi/giphy.gif(image larger than 3072KB)

[sara19841]

Nah.

Must be pretty disconcerting for newbies reading the forum, though. Many must get the impression all buyers are evil and are looking for any excuse to come to your house and punch your baby in the face.

[paulmaplesden]

No, the forum doesn’t tend to impact the work I do or my attitude towards buyers - I take each on a case by case basis, without trying to form opinions ahead fo time. And, key to me I think, is that I am not afraid to say “No” to buyers.

[eoinfinnegan]

No, the forum doesn’t tend to impact the work I do or my attitude towards buyers - I take each on a case by case basis, without trying to form opinions ahead fo time. And, key to me I think, is that I am not afraid to say “No” to buyers.

key to me I thin

I hear that is common with vegans 😉

[jeanvictor]

This happened to me actually just an hour ago but in my case the buyer used the fast delivery option for an x4 amount of words in the Basic plan instead of the premium one, so instead of 640$ he paid 485$, I did the same as you and sent an extra 155$ offer with a nice message, hopefully I get similar reaction as urs.

EDIT: He actually Accepted today

[thecreativeguys]

Given the new level system, sellers should be able to refund every aspect of the order without it penalizing the badge. (Obviously with mutual agreement)

A buyer purchases 3 sets of graphics at $100 each yet 2 days into the order decides they only need 2. Sellers can upsell their services but never refund oparts of the order - and now, that’ll affect the badge!

[bradencollins10]

Given the new level system, sellers should be able to refund every aspect of the order without it penalizing the badge. (Obviously with mutual agreement)

A buyer purchases 3 sets of graphics at $100 each yet 2 days into the order decides they only need 2. Sellers can upsell their services but never refund oparts of the order - and now, that’ll affect the badge!

I’ve always wondered how this wasn’t already a feature. If we can increase the price of the order-- why not decrease it as well?

[pewpewqq]

It did actually affect my attitude internally for a while (but not externally toward the clients). I found myself waiting to be victimized in some way when an order looked a bit off (when a buyer actually just didn’t know their way around the site).

Once I realized this, I kind of stayed away from the forum for a little while. Negativity happens and people do need a place to vent, so I recognize this as a very valuable place - I just needed to put things in perspective, as you did, and determine whether the problem is in my head or not.

[misscrystal]

I was a seller on fiverr for over two years before I ever came to the forum, so it didn’t affect my attitude towards buyers. I had also been in the world of business before and knew what customer service is like.

I did have a harder time with difficult buyers in my first year. I think that newer sellers get targeted by those who want to cause problems.

[newsmike]

(post withdrawn by author, will be automatically deleted in 24 hours unless flagged)

I dunno, maybe it’s because I read so many sellers telling each other to hold onto orders that are complete either to fake large queue or as a ransom to make buyers pay more for fast delivery.

I remember the first time you and I had a discussion about this. I’d like to suggest a third option. Maybe we tend to deliver within the time frame that is consistent with what the buyer ordered. Consider this, my standard delivery time is 3 days. That means if someone orders Monday at noon, they are fine with delivery by Thursday by noon. If they were not, they would spend the extra $100 to order 24 hour delivery.

Do you ever ship using FedEx? How many times have you shipped a package and ordered the $15 3rd day delivery, only to find that FedEx went ahead and gave you the $100 overnight by 8AM delivery for free just for the hell of it? Never. Order from Amazon and pick a delivery date based on what you spend, and that’s what you get. You are free to upgrade that delivery.

I deliver all my orders before the deadline, but honestly, if I delivered all my 3 day orders in 12 hours, what do you suppose would happen to my rush delivery fees once everyone figured out that it is not necessary?

I can only speak for myself, but I am not trying to inflate my queue, nor am I trying to hold anyone ransom, either. What’s wrong with just paying for the service level you want and realizing that many businesses allow you to decide delivery speed with your wallet?

I have no problem paying extra for enhanced services if I need them, but I don’t get mad at Amazon because the sweater I ordered will sit on the shelf a day or two before shipping because I declined to pay extra.

[socialhonor]

It doesn’t me. For the most part I have had wonderful, many long term- working relationships -with the clients I have met on fiverr - who I really enjoy working with. They’re simply amazing 🙂 truly.

But having those wonderful clients doesn’t negate the fact that this type of platform is a scammers paradise (both BUYERS - and SELLERS.) As such, my antennas are screwed in pretty dang tight.

I always read, and re-read my messages to ensure I understand what the client is expecting – particularly because, there is often a language barrier. This way I avoid unnecessary cancellations.
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