Start charging $3,000 per sales letter with no experience

[redcell1]

As a client here is what I have to say :

1.) what are your previous samples ? (are they 3k material or just mock ups?)
2.) References - Can I talk to you previous clients privately and have them give glowing reviews about you ?
3.) Testomonials - what do previous clients have to say about you?

[docsulo]

"Start charging $3,000 per sales letter with no experience"

The only way this would be even remotely legitimate and not a criminal fraud would be if the person with "NO EXPERIENCE" was working under a seasoned copywriter with a stellar track record who put their name and reputation on the line to guarantee the quality of the newbie's work.

[Oxbloom]

Originally Posted by docsulo

"Start charging $3,000 per sales letter with no experience"

The only way this would be even remotely legitimate and not a criminal fraud would be if the person with "NO EXPERIENCE" was working under a seasoned copywriter with a stellar track record who put their name and reputation on the line to guarantee the quality of the newbie's work.

Criminal fraud?

If you're charging $3000 out of the gate because you're telling prospective clients that you've got lots of successful clients who you don't actually have, THEN you've got fraud.

If you're charging it based on moxy, confidence, the power to convince, and what you perceive as adequate copywriting ability, then you have as much right to charge 3k for your time as anybody else has to charge what they want for theirs.

People are allowed by law to price their time as they see fit, and let the market decide whether it will bear the cost.

[docsulo]

Originally Posted by Oxbloom

Criminal fraud?

If you're charging $3000 out of the gate because you're telling prospective clients that you've got lots of successful clients who you don't actually have, THEN you've got fraud.

If you're charging it based on moxy, confidence, the power to convince, and what you perceive as adequate copywriting ability, then you have as much right to charge 3k for your time as anybody else has to charge what they want for theirs.

People are allowed by law to price their time as they see fit, and let the market decide whether it will bear the cost.

Well it certainly depends on what you say. But if in your confident, moxified power pitch you DON'T SAY - "I have no experience" - then I'd say it's fraud.

[liquidice04]

Do it, The fact that you are taking allot of money will force you to give your best and you will create a HUGE positive reference point.

[mrdomains]

I would give the same advice. For the simple reason that it will drive you to seek out the type of client that is willing and able to pay a bigger check.

I find they are often easier to work with and focus on effect/results rather than form/technique. Small budgets, small heads. Your mileage may vary.

[Rex.T]

Originally Posted by Scott Ames

I just listened to a very successful marketer that advocated charging at least $3,000 a sales letter right out of the gate on your first client. None of this $97, $297, or $997 stuff.

Worked for that marketer, but what do you think?

It's possible. Just think of all the 'overpaying' for products and services. Just think of all the conmen and conwomen out there who makes a living doing it.

As long as the person is slick enough to sell the services, yes it's possible for him/her to get clients to part those money. (not everyone thinks rationally)

The question is, should he or shouldn't he. That cuts on the moral boundaries of what you're worth. Someone might think that they are worth that amount, but when the client doesn't receive the promised results, then it's bad.

Personally, I feel that instead of thinking how much to charge, one should think, how much value can I deliver. If you're confident of delivering $10k in value, why settle for even $3k??

Just my 2 cents.

[Daryl Lim]

I never did copywriting for anybody else except for myself, but I think I'm rather good at it (in fact I like it). Who wants to pay me $3000 to write yours!

[Oxbloom]

Originally Posted by docsulo

Well it certainly depends on what you say. But if in your confident, moxified power pitch you DON'T SAY - "I have no experience" - then I'd say it's fraud.

And you'd be wrong.

It may well be *unethical*. I don't happen to think so, but people are free to determine their own ethics.

But fraud is something specific, and legally actionable. And that ain't it.

Failure to disclose experience carries legal baggage when it puts public or personal safety at risk, or when it violates licensing statutes.

But in the case of an unlicensed service sector? Falls squarely under that whole "caveat emptor" thing. It's upon the buyer to vet the service provider as he sees fit. Just as the provider has the right to appear confident and price his wares as he wishes, the buyer has the right to inquire about experience.

If you lie to him? Then maybe you've got fraud.

Till then? You've got marketing.

[docsulo]

Originally Posted by Oxbloom

And you'd be wrong.

It may well be *unethical*. I don't happen to think so, but people are free to determine their own ethics.

But fraud is something specific, and legally actionable. And that ain't it.

Failure to disclose experience carries legal baggage when it puts public or personal safety at risk, or when it violates licensing statutes.

But in the case of an unlicensed service sector? Falls squarely under that whole "caveat emptor" thing. It's upon the buyer to vet the service provider as he sees fit. Just as the provider has the right to appear confident and price his wares as he wishes, the buyer has the right to inquire about experience.

If you lie to him? Then maybe you've got fraud.

Till then? You've got marketing.

Hmmmm...

I'll say this...

I've been through two lawsuits with the FTC for a grand total of over $15 Million. I've also been sued under the RICO act for about $30 million and successfully defended myself in that case.

Now I'm no lawyer so don't get me wrong - but I think I might understand how the government defines fraud.

If what you leave out of your pitch is MATERIAL to the sale - you have issues. NOT telling someone that you have no experience IS MATERIAL.

Anyway... of course if you successfully "wing it" and get results you'll be fine. If you don't you can run into a lot of trouble.

But live in your own version of reality if you'd like. No skin off my nose.

[sarahberra]

Wow $$3,000! I thought $500 was a great rate!

[Adam98]

Thanx for post here..

[ARSuarez]

Originally Posted by sarahberra

Wow $$3,000! I thought $500 was a great rate!

$3,000 is quite good. No shame in getting $500 when you're new, though.

My mentor was charging about $20k before he left freelancing.

That's a nice goal.

Best,

Angel