[kayman]

In software development, when I can't figure something out, it's natural to feel "incompetent". After all, someone is paying you for your expertise and you can't figure it out. You dev instinct is to hide in the corner and avoid all contact until you figure it out.

But you have to put your business hat on. Communicate with the client from a business level - you've hit a snag and it's taking slightly longer than expected. The client will then ask: "How long will it take?" Because you can't figure it out, you have no idea. But the client wants a timeframe answer. I give the client usually a range of time like "give a day or two to figure it out" or "I'll let you know later on today".

Do not tell the client to go hire someone else if you value your relationship with the client. Find that "someone else" and pay them to figure it out if you can. Do not dump the "you go find another solution" on the client.

[murukesh_s]

Find that "someone else" is probably the greatest business advice. It is good to keep contact with someone more expert than you always handy to reach out during difficult situations.

[dropit_sphere]

This is excellent advice.