Client disappeared, what to do?

[emerson]

We have a client that came to us September2006, he wanted a website, paid a 50% deposit and disappeared. It was impossible to get in touch with him via phone, e-mail or snail mail. He gave us no deliverables at all. He came back to us two month's ago asking for the status of the website - we clearly explained to him that he has been gone for XX months without giving deliverables. He then promised deliverables that same week - of course we received nothing from him again. Again - we cannot get in touch with him. We want to do the right thing here - should we send him a 30 day notice putting the project on hold? Thoughts are appreciated! Thanks!

[webmasterneo]

As a rule of thumb, always have a document that will protect you from being regarded as the bad guy. You are right in wanting to do the right thing.

Yes, I agree that you should send him a Notice. Include in that document the history (ie, the downpayment, the un-discussed deliverables, and that he was unreachable) of your transaction, and that if he does not respond within a reasonable amount of time (30 days is enough), he is effectively waiving his right to demand results from you and forfeits the downpayment in your favor. Or something to that effect. Be sure to word it professionally and in a neutral, matter-of-fact tone (neither defensive nor aggressive). I'm sure with everything on paper, you'll at least get a response from him (in writing, preferably).

Good luck!

[That1TyGuy]

Yea, I would just tell him you are going to put the project on hold, I wouldn't wait around for a client that will not respond to anything that is sent or done. Probably the smartest thing to do in this case.

[Cameron]

Just send his money back and then delete him from your system. Tell him if he wants to have a website done, He can send the money back to you and do it that way

[e-webtemplates]

complete 50% of work and send to him , ask him to sign off the project.

[That1TyGuy]

I still think from all the suggestions provided you should still just tell him that you suspended the project until you are able to get in contact with him as that is what I would do and tell the client. Then they would probably get back ASAP to get it up and running.