Writing "samples" for prospective clients: How many of you actually do this?

I ask for samples before I deal with a writer, specially the costly ones. I don't ask them to write one for me, but asks them to show anything that they had previously written related to the topic. Sometimes if the writer has good reputation in the forum, I get a single paid article written on my topic. Only if it ends up good that I proceed with the full set.
Every writer will have his/her own strong topics and I don't want to be paying for their weak topics.

 

I am sure you always have to be ready to write a sample article. Particularly for forum members. Nobody is interested to get a bad feedback from you.
This way you show a respect to your client, that you are eager to make your best for him. Are you aware how many clients you lost because of your refusals?

 

Guess in your view the respect the client has for the writer isn't a factor.

 

None that I'd be interested in working for, I'm sure.

You may feel like you have to accept every gig that comes along - how ever paltry it may be, but I don't.

 

If you have a large portfolio and an existing base of satisfied clients, then it's not necessary. Otherwise it is so you can build credibility with the audience you're trying to reach.

 

As for me, I will provide examples of my work if a prospective client questions my ability but I do not give free samples that can be used without compensating me for my time. But, honestly, I haven't had much problem with people asking for this. Generally, I find clients willing to pay a fair wage aren't the types to ask for free samples. As for newspapers, I have 10 years experience as a staff writer/editor at medium-sized metropolitan daily newspapers. Newspapers hire stringers (freelancers) based on a portfolio of published clips - not samples written at request on specific subjects. Although, if you are applying to be a medical reporter and have clips from a previous job where you were a medical reporter of course that is going to aid your position. If the paper likes your style and grasp of English and AP style, then you're given an assignment. If you do well, you'll get another. If not, you won't. You're going to get paid for your first article either way because it will get in the paper even if some disgruntled editor (me in many cases) has to rewrite the whole damn thing to make it readable.