| One thing that I soon realized
when it came to working as a freelance designer is that there
are a great deal of clients who will expect you to work for
nothing. I dont understand why, honestly, I just don't get
it. Perhaps it's a perception issue. Perhaps its a misunderstanding
of what's involved. Perhaps they just don't care. Either way,
in my opinion, it's downright wrong and just plain rude.
I mean, my time spent working is valuable time. I know what
I'm doing and I'm damn good at what I do. So why on earth
are clients asking me to work for free?
Why is it okay for them to ask me to design mockups, or make
change requests, or create email addresses, or install components
on the web server, then complain when I invoice them? I mean,
you wouldn't ask a plumber to fix a leaky tap then suggest
that you shouldn't have to pay simply because it was an easy
job. You wouldn't ask a mechanic to quickly tune your car
for free so that you can go shopping. You wouldn't buy fruit
and vegetables and leave the store without paying just because
it's only a few oranges.
To be honest, this is one area of the freelancing
industry that really angers me. Clients expecting that you
work for free.
Now if you're an established freelancer, at some point you
would have heard the following questions. And if you're just
starting out, prepare yourself for them - I guarantee you
- they're coming!
Client : "Okay, so do half a dozen design mockups for
us, and if we like one of them, you can have the job..."
Client : "I want you to do some charity
work for me on my website..."
Client : "It's just a few email addresses, you don't
need to charge me for that do you?"
Client : "You can just make these changes quickly without
me having to pay you. I mean, it's only a 5 minute job isn't
it?..."
Client : "I told my friends about your business, can
you do some free work for me?..."
Client : "You already have this code on
another site, can't you just copy it onto mine, it's exactly
the same, so It shouldn't cost me...."
No joke. I could keep going. People are rude aren't they?
Can you imagine asking the owner of any business to perform
work for you, but NOT to charge you????
Its ridiculous! But for some strange reason, its VERY COMMON
in freelancing. Especially freelance web design. But I can
assure you - that it's not a part of my business - and never
will be.
Heres a few tips on how to avoid being made
to feel obligated to perform work for free.
1. Rule number one - NEVER, EVER work for free - EVER!!!!
Your time is worth something. Don't be pushed around. Never
feel obligated to have to do something because the client
made you feel bad. Always charge, everytime you start working
on a clients website. There is NO exception to this rule!
2. Never work for free just as a favour! If ever you do this,
you are simply inviting "trouble". If you do it
once, clients will expect it again. Avoid taking on development
of any type, including "quick changes" for free.
3. Try to avoid working with direct family or
friends. These can turn out to become the worst experiences,
simply because they feel they are "entitled" for
discounts or free work. I always make an effort NOT to perform
work for friends, family, or co-workers. Believe me, it ain't
worth it!
4. Never offer to fix up someone elses mess. By this I mean,
offering to fix up another developers disaster. Sure it might
only sound like a quick fix, but it never is. Be warned!
THE ONLY ONE TIME YOU SHOULD WORK FOR FREE
Now I know I said earlier in this article that you should
never work for free, however there is an exception to this
rule -- and that is, when FIXING MISTAKES that you made! If
a client calls to complain about a programming error or a
problem on their website, and it's obvious that its your fault
- then FIX IT - and fix it fast and for FREE!
Lastly, your hourly rates and set fees should be outlined
within your contracts and documents, which you should ALWAYS
use before entering into any web project agreement. If you
aren't already using contracts, then you get can a complete
pack HERE.
Dont forget, this is a complete turnkey web design business
solution in a box. Over 67 contracts and a 198 page ebook,
jam packed with a lot of useful information, tips and advice
you can begin using in your web design business right away!
Best of luck to you.
John
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