How Cheap Clients Try to Get Services From Freelance Graphic Designers For Next to Nothing

A long standing client email me recently about his brochure, he was looking for helping writing it and figured hed drop me a line. I like this guy, but he can be demanding and hes belly-ached that theres not enough room in his budget for me. Hes had a history with me of trying to get services either at a big discount or for free whenever he can. This guys not frugal, or cost-conscious hes cheap.

I can deal with clients like this, Ive been freelancing for a long time now, but inexperienced artists may get taken advantage of by people like this, so lets look at a recent example:

Here is his exact email to me:

Subject: Can we meet?
What I need is advice on how to word our brochure. I have some text, etc. Can I buy you lunch on Thursday? You pick.

Looks innocent enough, doesnt it? Its not.

Truth is, this guy is looking to get me to offer an hour of expertise and specific solutions to his challenge for close to nothing. He feels that my expertise should either be free to him, or no more than the value of a lunch ($10).

In fact, you may be able to infer from this email that he feels pretty good about offering to buy me a free lunch like hes doing me a favor! Instead of paying me for my time, (like hed have to do with any other service professional CPA, attorney or architect), hes going to see if I will sell myself short. I didnt bite. My time is worth more than a $10 lunch, yours it too I am sure.

I dont necessarily blame him for trying to get something for virtually nothing. Personally, I think this is rotten but its not my clients job to value my time ITS MY JOB. As freelance designers its your job and mine to assign value to time and expertise. If you dont value your time and expertise NO ONE will. No one will ever say, You know, I know youre only charging [$XX/hr], I want to pay you more because youre worth it, Ill pay you [$YY/hr].

What is your time worth?
Do your clients value your time?
When clients intentionally or unintentionally try to get you to do something for nothing, what do you say to them?

In case you were wondering, here was my reply:

I am always happy to help [Client Name], my plate is kind of full but I can always get you in.

Thanks for the lunch offer - during business meetings I usually just have something to drink so I can focus my attention on the person I am meeting with. I'd be happy to consult with you on your brochure, I am billing clients at just [$My rate per hour]. Usually these meetings take 45-90 minutes depending on what you want to cover. I can meet this Wed, or Thurs at 11:45 or 12:30, which one would be best for you?

Hey, your time is valuable, and dont let clients make you feel any different. Youve got talent, and while you might not be able to bill 100% for your time, I encourage you to tactfully but professionally let your clients know that you expect (not just hope) to be paid for your time.

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