What to do when client asks for quick-and-dirty solution?

I made a presentation and a proposal to one of my clients the other day to develop a customized ERP solution for their unique online auction system. This was a 7 page document which included research and comparison of 3 open source ERP products, architecture diagrams and a detailed project plan.

They liked all of it except the total duration of the project, which was 3 months. I was asked if I could do a less than perfect job and deliver a “quick-and-dirty” solution, because their business needs something quickly.

I politely refused.

I could’ve just said “yes, I can do quick-and-dirty”, make quick buck and go on to service other clients. Sounds good right? Wrong! If you’re a consultant or contractor, your reputation depends on quality of your work and on what your former clients say about you.

Say you develop a quick-and-dirty solution. It works for your client for a few weeks and then suddenly it breaks because 10 users tried to use the system at the same time. Who do you think the client is going to scream at and blame? Right, you. Do you think they’ll refer clients to you or say kind words about you and your services?

When it comes to providing services, quality should be of utmost importance to us as consultants. At the end of the day our reputation is more important than a few extra bucks in our pocket.