How do you tell a client there will be delays?
- An apology at the start of the letter to set the tone of the letter to your client.
- An explanation/description of the reason for the delay.
- The expected length of the delay.
- New updated deadlines.
- Open the letter up to a discussion or further questions for the client.
Put it All Together
Dear [Boss, Client, or Co-Worker Name], I'm reaching out because, unfortunately, I won't be able to submit [project] in [number of] hours as promised. I take full responsibility for underestimating how long it would take, and for not reaching out sooner.
"Skip a half-thought-out or rushed reply and pick a line that'll buy you some time," McCord says. "It'll make your contact feel like you really care, and it'll allow you to take the time you need to do good work."
- Sorry for the delay.
- Apologies for the delay.
- I apologize for the delay.
- Please excuse the delay.
- Please accept my apologies for the delay.
- Thank you for the reminder.
- Thank you for your patience.
- Want Someone to Correct Your Emails?
I apologize for the delay in my response. I was out sick for the last week and was unable to respond to your previous email right away. Do you still need me to perform the task you requested? If so, I will need until {{specific_date}} to complete it as I am still catching up on work I missed.
- by day / date / deadline.
- We will need this by day / date / deadline.
- We have a deadline on day / date that we need to meet.
- We need to meet our deadline by day / date.
- This task's due date is day / date.
- Our timeframe for finishing this task is day / date.
One way to push back a deadline without upsetting your customer is to provide them with regular updates. Let them know what's going on and why the deadline can't be met. Customers appreciate transparency, and they'll be more understanding if they know what's going on.
- 8 ways to demonstrate your ability to meet a deadline. Know your deadlines. ...
- Know your deadlines. Don't miss a goal simply because you forgot about it. ...
- Prioritise tasks. Order your work by time factors. ...
- Plan, plan and plan. ...
- Allow enough time. ...
- Understand the requirements. ...
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. ...
- Remove any distractions.
- Send a Written Reminder Promptly When You Don't Receive Payment by the Due Date. ...
- Send a Debt Collection Letter. ...
- Make Personal Contact With the Client by Phone or a Face-to-Face Meeting. ...
- Send a Final Demand Letter. ...
- Take Legal Action. ...
- File a Civil Lawsuit. ...
- Use a Collection Agency to Get Paid.
To minimize overdue payments, send your invoices upfront, charge late fees and create payment plans. If you keep prodding your customers for payment and don't receive it, you may need to hire a debt collection attorney. Alternatively, you can take the customer to small claims court.
How can I buy more time?
- Make and track a daily to-do list. At the beginning of each day check, update and prioritize your task list. ...
- Schedule work time. ...
- Use tools. ...
- Invest in your success. ...
- Reward your accomplishments. ...
- Take mental and physical breaks. ...
- Work collaboratively. ...
- Eat healthy foods.
- Say You're Sorry. Saying the words “I'm sorry” is hard. ...
- Admit What Happened. Don't just say you're sorry and leave it there. ...
- Say How You'll Fix it Or What You'll Do Next Time. ...
- Keep it Short. ...
- Be Timely.

Instead of apologizing for things that are out of your control, use phrases like, “I appreciate your patience” and “Thank you for working with me,” to overcome any awkwardness and reinstate an air of confidence.
- Thank you for your patience. ...
- Lunch on me for the delayed response! ...
- Huge props to you for always staying on top of emails! ...
- I've been working on x / I've been out of the office. ...
- I spent some time thinking about a response and… ...
- I'd hoped to respond sooner, but…
Be transparent and proactive.
Being upfront about what the challenges are and what you are doing about them can answer a lot of questions before they are asked. Let customers know if there is a delay or shortage with the product they want and when they can expect it before their order is placed, for instance.
If you're nervous about coming on too strong with a late fee, start with a warning, tell your clients, “I can waive your late cancellation fee this time, but I won't be able to do it again in the future.” If your client is so late you can no longer accommodate them say, “my calendar is fully booked and unfortunately, I ...
How do you apologize for delayed customers? Acknowledge the delay and explain what really went wrong to your customers, offer them a list of solutions and let them choose what's best for them and provide discounts such as free shipping/ reduced prices on their next delivery.
Dear Elizabeth: I have taken on an in-flight project. We're about halfway through, and I think we need to make changes to the schedule. Specifically, we need more time. The client has already signed off on the original deadlines, and I don't think they will take the news well.
Here's an example: Dear [Insert Teacher's Name], I am emailing you to ask for an extension on [assignment], which is due [original due date]. I would really appreciate an extension because I have a very busy week, and I would like more time to devote towards my assignment.
I am emailing you to ask if it might be possible to be granted additional time for the [name of assignment] due on [due date of assignment]. Unfortunately, I am behind with this assignment because [give reason why you will not complete your assignment on time and attach supporting documentation, if any].
How do you ask a client for an extension?
- Give plenty of warning. As soon as you think you might have trouble delivering on a deadline you need to let your client know. ...
- Be honest. People appreciate honesty. ...
- Listen. ...
- Apologise… but not too much. ...
- Review.
- Determine if an extension is possible. ...
- Don't put in a request at the last moment. ...
- Ask in person or by phone or email. ...
- Give a credible reason. ...
- Furnish proof of work done. ...
- Set a new deadline and stick to it. ...
- Thank the supervisor or manager.
- Practice meditation. When feeling stressed, you may consider breathing techniques or meditation. ...
- Create smaller goals. ...
- Create earlier deadlines. ...
- Learn organizational skills. ...
- Find positivity. ...
- Research your task. ...
- Create priorities. ...
- Exercise.
The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.
- Diarise your deadlines. ...
- Prioritise your tasks. ...
- Set a personal deadline. ...
- Break down your workload. ...
- Minimise distractions. ...
- Stick to your working hours. ...
- Stay healthy. ...
- Be honest.
- Communicate As Soon As You Can. ...
- Have All the Facts You'll Need to Give. ...
- Don't Place Blame on Any One Person. ...
- Give the New Project Timeline in the First Conversation (or at least an estimate) ...
- Stay Positive to Keep Your Team & Client Positive.
Be transparent and proactive.
Being upfront about what the challenges are and what you are doing about them can answer a lot of questions before they are asked. Let customers know if there is a delay or shortage with the product they want and when they can expect it before their order is placed, for instance.
- Stage 1: Make sure your needs are known and understood by the client. ...
- Stage 2: Schedule the activity and code it up to make extracting focused reports easy. ...
- Stage 3: Regularly status the schedule and communicate the changes to the client.
The best and more professional option is to send your client an email communicating the situation. In the email, take responsibility and don't place blame. This way, your client will believe that you can identify where you went wrong and can prevent the problem in the future.
- Greet the receiver personally. Start the conversation by addressing the recipient by their name. ...
- Apologize for the delayed response. Immediately follow your greeting with an apology for your delayed response. ...
- Explain the reason for your delayed response. ...
- Proceed with returning the message.
How do you write an email to a client for delay in project?
I'm writing to inform you that [Project Name] is behind schedule. I apologize for the delay. Due to [reason for the project delay], this project has been delayed by [length of the delay]. In order to address these unforeseen circumstances, I have [action taken to move project forward].
Communicate, communicate, communicate! Keep your team informed of every delay, change of plans, and altered client expectations. By using task management in projects, every member of the team should be able to see when tasks are due and what major deadlines are approaching.
We sincerely apologize to you for the delay in delivery of the products you ordered with us. Due to irregularities in the manufacturing department, this inconvenience has been caused to you. We are also flooded with a large number of unexpected orders this month and all this has led to this delay.
- Stay calm, no matter how upset the client gets. ...
- Listen and empathize with your client and their concerns. ...
- Deliver a prompt reply. ...
- Figure out what happened. ...
- Offer a solution. ...
- Cut your losses. ...
- Create a conflict resolution plan. ...
- Review and learn.
Be polite but direct. Hi [name], Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for your interest in working with our business. Unfortunately, we are unable to fulfill your request at this time [provide any relevant information as to why you cannot fulfill this request].
References
- https://emailtree.ai/blog/15-great-examples-of-how-to-respond-to-customer-complaints/
- https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/4-impressive-ways-great-leaders-handle-their-mistakes.html
- https://nulab.com/learn/collaboration/the-8-essential-questioning-techniques-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-apologize-more-sincerely-3144467
- https://www.careerride.com/view/sample-letter-to-customer-for-delay-in-delivery-11971.aspx
- https://genlish.com/learn-english/articles/phrases-use-forget-something/
- https://www.inhersight.com/blog/insight-commentary/sorry-for-the-late-response
- https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/how-to-apologize-for-a-mistake-at-work
- https://www.theguardian.com/media-network/media-network-blog/2014/aug/18/deliver-public-apology-regret-react-reassure
- https://www.qualitygurus.com/customer-dissatisfaction-reasons-and-ways-to-deal-with-it/
- https://www.zippia.com/advice/what-to-do-when-you-dont-know-how-to-answer-an-interview-question/
- https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/clarification
- https://www.zippia.com/advice/sorry-for-the-delay/
- https://www.conductor.com/learning-center/customer-needs/
- https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2864-customer-service-tips.html
- https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-email-templates-thatll-save-your-reputation-when-your-response-is-long-overdue
- https://www.mindtools.com/afhit60/how-to-apologize
- https://www.styleseat.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-chronically-late-clients/
- https://www.cxservice360.com/what-to-do-when-you-dont-know-the-answer-to-a-customers-question/
- https://www.zippia.com/advice/tell-me-about-a-time-you-made-a-mistake/
- https://dynamicbusiness.com/topics/small-business-resources/dealing-with-a-vague-client-how-to-mitigate-the-potential-frustration-and-come-out-on-top.html
- https://fellow.app/blog/productivity/ways-to-admit-youre-wrong-at-work-examples/
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/apology-letter-to-boss
- https://global.indiana.edu/documents/global-perspectives/clarifying-and-probing-questions-handout-step-2-define.pdf
- https://blog.flock.com/10-email-templates-that-help-you-say-sorry-for-the-late-response
- https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/forget
- https://www.thoughtco.com/student-correction-during-class-how-when-1210508
- https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/clarification.html
- https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/resolve-customer-service-issues/
- https://blog.hubspot.com/service/say-no-to-customers
- https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2016/09/08/respond-to-emails
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-apologize-for-a-mistake-professionally
- https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/10-ways-to-buy-more-time/393245
- https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-rules-that-guarantee-youll-nail-the-answer-to-tell-me-about-a-time-you-made-a-mistake
- https://www.ignitionapp.com/blog/deal-with-difficult-clients
- https://fellow.app/blog/productivity/how-to-say-no-at-work/
- https://www.callcentrehelper.com/clarifying-questions-that-add-value-201629.htm
- https://www.targettraining.eu/clarification-emails-structure-phrases/
- https://www.cloudtalk.io/blog/9-effective-ways-to-handle-angry-customers-with-examples/
- https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/how-to-ask-for-an-extension-deadline/
- https://www.praxisframework.org/en/resource-pages/weaver-dealing-with-client-delay
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/loving-bravely/201703/heartfelt-apologies-101
- https://keap.com/business-success-blog/customer-service/customer-experience/how-to-respond-to-customer-complaints
- https://entrision.com/blog/communicating-delays-in-a-software-development-project/
- https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/forgetful
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/clarifying-questions
- https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/how-to-ask-for-clarification/4726030.html
- https://www.inc.com/young-entrepreneur-council/17-ways-to-deal-with-unhappy-customers.html
- https://blog.hubstaff.com/communicating-project-delays/
- https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/absolute-beginner-american-english-for-every-day-123-10-ways-to-apologize/
- https://www.foundationscounselingllc.com/blog/how-to-recover-from-a-big-mistake.php
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/most-tactful-strategies-pushing-customer-deadlines-back-john-waters?trk=pulse-article_more-articles_related-content-card
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forget
- https://www.wikihow.com/Apology-Messages-for-Your-Love
- https://www.ignitionapp.com/blog/how-to-turn-down-client
- https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15110-how-to-apologize-at-work.html
- https://www.roberthalf.com.au/blog/jobseekers/how-demonstrate-your-ability-meet-deadlines
- https://fennell101.wordpress.com/2018/09/19/how-to-ask-for-an-extension/
- https://blog.mypostcard.com/en/apology-messages/
- https://www.universityofgalway.ie/academic-skills/communicationskills/downloads/How-to-request-more-time-for-an-assignment.docx
- https://www.ipse.co.uk/ipse-news/ipse-blog/how-to-manage-multiple-deadlines.html
- https://www.myenglishpages.com/english/communication-lesson-lack-of-understanding-clarification.php
- https://www.targettraining.eu/meeting-misunderstandings-clarify/
- https://www.amanet.org/articles/what-to-do-if-you-forget-someones-name/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/communication-tips-1-clarification-aleksandar-milincic?trk=pulse-article_more-articles_related-content-card
- https://www.ombudsman.ie/guidance-for-service-providers/the-ombudsmans-guide-to-m/
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-to-say-instead-of-sorry-in-email
- https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/dispute-resolution/handling-customer-complaints
- https://www.wrike.com/blog/how-to-handle-mistakes-at-work/
- https://www.flowrite.com/blog/apology-email
- https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/15/heres-exactly-what-to-doand-sayafter-youve-made-a-mistake-at-work.html
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-handle-questions-you-dont-want-to-answer/
- https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/85149/phrase-to-use-instead-of-could-you-please
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/deadline-stress
- https://www.vawizard.org/wiz-pdf/STAR_Method_Interviews.pdf
- https://orgwide.com/blog/best-of-blogs/8-tips-to-handling-mistakes-in-the-workplace/
- https://www.quora.com/Is-I-forget-or-I-forgot-grammatically-correct-when-you-are-referring-to-the-present
- https://blog.talaera.com/follow-up-email
- https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/supply-chain/communicating-supply-chain-delays
- https://sapling.ai/snippet-templates/we-apologize-for-the-delay
- https://www.themuse.com/advice/this-is-the-email-to-send-when-youre-about-to-miss-a-big-deadline
- https://www.berlitz.com/blog/how-to-say-sorry-english
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/get-clients-pay-up-29988.html
- https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/31/stop-saying-im-sorry-at-work-what-to-say-instead.html
- https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8246-non-paying-customers.html
- https://www.thesaurus.com/e/ways-to-say/stop-saying-sorry/
- https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/forget%20it
- https://theenglishfarm.com/blog/mistakes-vs-errors-know-difference
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/apologize-for-the-delay
- https://engoo.com/blog/2022/05/31/7-ways-to-politely-apologize-for-a-late-reply-in-english/
- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/mistakes-at-work-526244
- https://weareindy.com/blog/how-do-you-communicate-a-missed-deadline-to-your-client-with-email-samples
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/sorry-for-the-late-response-email
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/clarifying-questions-definition-examples.html
- https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/health-benefits-of-sincere-apology
- https://www.ivyexec.com/career-advice/2021/3-smart-ways-to-apologize-when-you-forget-to-respond-to-an-email/
- https://kissflow.com/project/how-to-avoid-project-delays/
- https://www.pandle.com/blog/2016/03/17/5-tips-requesting-deadline-extension-without-seeming-unprofessional/
- https://www.liveagent.com/blog/oops-i-dont-know-how-to-respond-to-a-customers-question-when-you-dont-know-the-answer/
- https://www.liquidplanner.com/blog/ask-a-pm-how-to-tell-a-client-youre-behind-on-the-project-you-just-took-over/
- https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/clarify
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201406/4-ways-make-better-apology
- https://www.lateshipment.com/blog/how-to-respond-to-customers-after-a-late-delivery/
- https://fellow.app/blog/productivity/how-to-apologize-professionally-in-an-email-templates/
- https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-say-sorry-and-mean-it
- http://www.learnex.in/phrases-for-correcting-someone-politely-free-english-lessons/
- https://blog.hubspot.com/service/customer-complaints
- https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/confusion
- https://tanniasuarez.com/blog/clarification-email-expressions
- https://sitemate.com/resources/articles/commercial/project-delay-letter-to-client/
- https://zapier.com/blog/customer-support-challenges/