ehh... even 3 weeks is pushing it... my problem is my HUGE clientbase and the fact that they're demanding... i miss more deadlines than i should and people get real upset over it... and when the client comes screaming and threatening and swearing, i get very upset myself and overreact.
Hey Chris,
If those are your explanations, then I think the lesson learned here is to not take on new work when you're not capable of handling it. And anybody that's been waiting should simply get their refund. If you're declining from returning money for work that is pending and has never been done, or simply is unfinished outside of reasonable time.. call it an acceptable loss and value your reputation more and return the money. The attitude of unsatisfied customers will only grow otherwise and you end up ignoring the whole world, having police reports against you, payment gateways with open cases full of disputes, etc. Obviously you can realise this isn't the way of freelance business.
Best of luck reconsidering your actions and doing the right thing. I do appreciate it that you came here and tried to give an explanation. I can also see why people would start to distrust your explanations. If I would try to help someone with freelance work and it doesn't work out because of them, or because of me. I have a final email conversation with them explaining their two options and giving a one time option to get their money back for work unfinished. This will help you long term and helps you turn those losses into profits later on when they come back for a second chance.
Looking forward to this thread taking a turn and people updating it with the great news that either their work got finished and delivered, got their money (partially) back and that you have stopped taking on an even bigger clientbase and are finishing those who are still in the queue.
Doing freelance work is supposed to be more than a fun hobby that puts food on the table - a professional service for an expertise skill. And not a way to get a quick buck short term. Learn from your mistakes and work towards 2017 ending on a good note.
I don't know who you are, how old you are and how new or experienced you are with writing custom stuff for things like XenForo, but to get better, to be more lucrative and be worth the money you ask for the service.. and to avoid disgruntled customers from contacting your clientbase in their own time, etc. I do suggest you do the right thing, customer support, delivering on time, building a positive reputation, etc. It's all part of freelance work.