Hi all, I have a consultation coming up with a potential 'client' who is also a past colleague. I'd previously made the decision I wouldn't offer design services to friends, family or acquaintances as they normally expect it as a 'favour' and expect me to work on it frequently. Its very hard to be firm with them the way I am with outside clients! Anyway, we've just arranged a consultation but I have a feeling they are hoping I do the work for free which I would find rather disrespectful and really do not have time for. I do not want to be harsh as I do not want to leave things awkward. I need to confirm the consultation by email and was wondering whether you have any advice on ways I can hint in the email before the consultation that it is going to be CHARGED, without saying; 'I will not do it for free by the way' or 'We can discuss your budget' etc etc as they skipped the budget question in the Project Planner. I just don't want it to seem as though money is the main importance. Any ideas? I will let them know in the actual consultation but I want to let them aware via email first in a subtle way to prepare them. Please help! Thanks.
You want to get paid, but you're not willing to be direct and straght forward. You should point out that you are providing your professional expertise and, as such, you need compensation. You can tell him/her that you can't afford to spend X days working on a project without being paid. You can, of course, offer a discount and tell him/her that's the best you can do. I was in a similar situation a while back and its best to be direct.
Yes, that's what I plan to do at the actual consultation if they come out right with 'I want you to do it for free' - then I'll definitely be direct. No two ways about it! Right now, I'm just thinking.. there was absolutely no mention of 'how much do you charge' so I'm thinking they're trying to be smart and rather cheeky hoping I'm gullible enough to prepare for such a consultation and offer it for free. I do not want to be too assertive in the email just in case they DO have a budget, whether it be less than I normally charge or not. You get me? I'm willing to offer it slightly cheaper, but for me its about the possible disrespect of 'free expectations' I feel it best not to jump to conclusions/be too direct in the email because I won't be able to take it back once it is sent.
I agree with Mar. Just say it! In fact save time for everyone involved by just stating what your rates are before you even begin any consultation. It should be pretty well known that alot of businesses fail because they try to go after every single potential client, and don't charge enough for their services. Everyone and their dog wants a website! There's no way you could do websites for everyone. Stand your ground on your rate, and conditions. Personally, I don't mess around. I say "Here's my rates, if you don't like it go hire your little nerd nephew to do your web design. I'll be here for you when your website is messed up. Best of luck!"
I think you should hold off on everything until you meet face to face. Listen to their requirements. At the end drop this: alright, it would normally cost you X, but since we're former colleagues, I can do it for Y.
Haha - yes, I've learnt I gota be more like that and I plan to. I'm not desperate for the work, I'm just offended by those who think they can try and be smart by using people! So want to prepare for it if that be the case. Thanks for your feedback.
I have to disagree with waiting. I've been doing programming and web design for over 20 years. You should have a "potential client filter," just like you'd filter a database. Otherwise you end up wasting a bunch of time in back and forth emails, phone calls, meetings, etc. for people that don't want to pay you what you're worth.
Okay, yea that's probably best. I just have a lot of anticipation right now as I think I can see what's coming lol but I'll wait until we meet. It's not even that I'm desperate for the work, I'm just offended by those who think they can try and be smart by using people! So want to prepare for it if that be the case. Business is business and I'll make sure they know that on the day - should the above be the case! Thanks MarSteph!
I don't want to be harsh tho! lol What do you suggest: 'We'll discuss your budget in more detail at our consultation' or.....? Something along those lines that's not too much at this point. Thanks!
Right. In this case because you already knew them, and the "ball is already in play" I would something like "Can we discuss terms of payment?" You may be surprised. THEY could bring up before you do. But if don't make sure you do
Who knows, maybe so. I'll relax myself for now and wait and see what the day brings Thanks for your advice.
Never, ever cut your price. Instead, find out what their budget is and determine whether you can provide what they want/need within the budget. It is OK to provide a little lagniappe, even a Good Thing™. Nothing good has ever come from discounting your work. A former colleague would (or should) understand that. cheers, gary
First of all, thanks Trucom for bringing such conversation live. Its much needed for many these days! And I agree with MarSteph! You could even tell them casually while talking like
I don't believe in pussyfooting around on the subject; to be frank I think most people (even friends) need a good swift slap in the face with a wet trout when it comes to this. Be frank, up-front, and honest with them -- in the long run it's best for both of you. If they are offended, they likely aren't someone you want to be doing business with in the first place.