Freelancers/Consultants - Help -argh!

I just got a short contract and I've started working BUT....here's the thing - the person never responds to my questions, holding up my work - how do you deal with that? I have other work I can start in the mean time and bill for but other stuff is just held up, and I'm paying a babysitter during this time - any advice on dealing with unresponsive clients? And we're on a timeline here.

Message edited 3/2/2011 11:40:22 AM.

Re: Freelancers/Consultants - Help -argh!

You have to send a clear email that states that time "wasted" not getting back to you will be billed....you will be surprised to see how quickly things get resolved.

The trick is to not nickel and dime, but to be firm on deadlines, i.e. any day after X is an overage, any changes that extend beyond agreed amount is an overage. Sometimes companies throw money at you just to do it the way they need to to get it done.

Also, if you have to give a clear deadline based on other billable work, do so...you are the only one looking out for yourself.

And send polite, but frequent emails...keep that trail so they never can say "You never said that"