A web developer and their long-time client find themselves in a heated conflict over unpaid work. After years of collaboration, the developer updated the client’s website and fixed some issues, only to be met with resistance when it came time to pay the invoice. Frustrated by the lack of payment and communication, the developer took matters into their own hands and reverted the website back to an inoperable state. But was this the right move? Read on to find out more about this dramatic situation.
A History of Collaboration

New Updates and Miscommunication

Client Fails to Follow Through

Fixing Issues and Sending an Invoice

Client’s Anger and Unpaid Invoice

Taking Matters into Their Own Hands ️

Questioning Their Actions

Update: Reconsidering the Decision

Learning from the Experience

Unexpected Attention

Gratitude for the Feedback

A Dramatic Turn of Events
In a rollercoaster of emotions and actions, the web developer ultimately decided to bring the client’s website back online, hoping they remain unaware of the temporary shutdown. They’ve learned the importance of clear communication and will retract the invoice, accepting the loss. The situation garnered unexpected attention, and the developer is grateful for the honest feedback received. What do you think of this dramatic turn of events? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Charging for work after not invoicing earlier? YTA. But losing a 10-year relationship over it? ♂️

Web developer faces criticism for poor business practices

Client’s lack of contract doesn’t justify web dev’s sabotage

Client upset over delayed billing, developer faces backlash.

Commenter calls out web developer for unfair billing practices.

Update provided, legal repercussions for breaking client’s website discussed

Web developer’s bad business practice leads to lost customer and reputation

Freelancer invoices client months later, but was it worth it?

Web developer receives criticism for poor communication and business practices

Commenter calls out web developer’s unprofessional behavior

Unpaid invoice leads to website sabotage YTA

Late invoicing and website sabotage? YTA for sure

Web developer charged client without disclosing fee. YTA.

Miscommunication leads to website disaster for both parties

Commenter’s strong reaction to the article’s subject.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/3eae1b95-00b9-4eae-8940-b5cff849183d.png)
Clear communication and upfront pricing is key to avoiding conflicts

Learning from expensive mistakes in business
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/09972b13-c3bb-4fc0-adb6-7b22700f1be7.png)
Explicit payment agreements are vital in web development projects. YTA.

Commenter deems web developer as the a**hole

YouTube video offers advice for dealing with unpaid invoices

Clear communication is key in any industry

Commenter receives mixed feedback after controversial web development decision

Commenter calls out web developer for shady billing practices

Web developer receives YTA judgement for unprofessional behavior.

Value your time and list free work on invoice.

Freelancer charges retroactively, breaks site, then fixes it. YTA.

Commenter deems web developer as the a**hole

Solving payment issues with future web design cost deduction

Creating websites is hard work, NTA for expecting payment
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/2be20245-55b2-4010-b4b7-4513e2c30b10.png)
Commenter deems web developer as the a**hole

Not the a**hole. Check out the video for more context

Web agency owner advises on legal implications and client agreements.

Miscommunication leads to website chaos. Both parties share blame.

Web developer’s difficult ethical choice applauded by fellow developer

Web developer faces backlash for inoperable site over unpaid invoice
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/8418de0e-33f2-4064-8296-0c07f6438047.png)
Hosting responsibility and charging for downtime is unethical

Redemption story: Commenter admits YTA, but applauds owning up.

Communication is key! Don’t sabotage your client’s website
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/5300c45f-cbe5-4f8c-891b-0f51871dd28d.png)
Balancing payment and customer loyalty in web development

Payment due? No website for you!

Get legal advice to avoid future disputes
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/c2b811ab-4217-42c2-a502-58587e63fe80.png)
Short and to the point
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/63722d25-8508-43a8-8422-2acbdf0530f0.png)
Deserving payment for work done is normal. Don’t work for free.

Web developer takes action against unpaid client

Agreed work is agreed work, NTA for enforcing payment

Web developer stands up to unpaid invoice

Undoing unpaid work is legal, but sabotaging the site is wrong. ESH.

Client gets what they deserve for not paying

Unpaid invoice leads to website repossession. Justified or not?

Expecting free work is appalling. NTA for requesting payment.

Get paid or get shut down
