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To calc or not to calc...

To calc or not to calc...

To calc or not to calc...

(OP)
Hello,

I supply engineering consultation to different manufacturers, one of them being a railing manufacturer. As of late, they seem to think that it is OK for me to supply the calculations for components being attached to their railing, but that they are not fabbing or supplying. I am refusing to do so, as my agreement is with them and the components they supply. Am I way off base here to refuse to supply the calcs for others' components? Also, on a related note, any recommendations for firing a client?

RE: To calc or not to calc...

Quote:

I supply engineering consultation to different manufacturers, one of them being a railing manufacturer. As of late, they seem to think that it is OK for me to supply the calculations for components being attached to their railing, but that they are not fabbing or supplying. I am refusing to do so, as my agreement is with them and the components they supply. Am I way off base here to refuse to supply the calcs for others' components?

That's something that should be hashed out in the scope of the quote. I don't see how you could supply calculations for someone else's components anyway (unless you are understood to be a middle man for that).

Quote:

Also, on a related note, any recommendations for firing a client?

Sure. Just tell them you are not bidding on their projects anymore.

RE: To calc or not to calc...

or raise the price enough that you would be willing to keep working for them, and let them choose to find someone else.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

RE: To calc or not to calc...

(OP)
WARose and EdStainless, Thanks for the feedback. I don't bid on the projects, I am their consultant, so they just send me projects. I will try raising the fee and go from there.

RE: To calc or not to calc...

If you're a consultant doing design work, there's no inherent reason to do, or to avoid, the design work on stuff they don't actually furnish. Assuming they pay for it, as opposed to it being scope-creep on a fixed contract or something.


RE: To calc or not to calc...

SEng45:
Probably not without a contract, a meeting of the minds with that new client, for their specific products. And, a normal introductory exchange with the new client so you understand their products, how they manufacture them and have the benefit of their knowledge about their product. This should be a separate work arrangement with the new client, they pay you, you supply your work product to them, etc., you have professional obligations to them, and not through a third party. This is not unlike the arrangement you have with the railing manufacturer. You should explain to the railing people your professional, legal, liability obligations, etc. There are some potential advantages to this involvement also. Nobody knows the railing system better than you do, and you want to know what the new item might do to overload the railing or otherwise mistreat the railing. You should also have an edge at making the new items compatible with the railing. But, you shouldn’t be doing this no remuneration, and you should probably not be doing this work through the railing company.

RE: To calc or not to calc...

I'd inform the client that the work is not within the original scope and that you're capable of undertaking it for an added fee. You can then negotiate what the added fee would be. Happens often for a change in scope.

Dik

RE: To calc or not to calc...

How do you "fire" a client? Isn't it as simple as refusing to accept their future business? Unless of course you have a contract to get out of. If that's the case, you may want to find a Legal-Tips website instead.

RE: To calc or not to calc...

Why would you want to fire a client... terrible thing... and loss of reputation could have some negative impact...

Dik

RE: To calc or not to calc...

(OP)
dik - This client is disrespectful and an all out bully, and they think an engineer's services should be "free". No engineer should have to put up with a client that treats an engineer that way. I would rather not deal with the stress that they bring upon my company.

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