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Red flag: "partner with us" - do you agree?

by marciayudkin
22 replies
Just had a long discussion with a guy who owns a 40-year-old book printing company who proposed for me to be the designated publicity/copywriting expert for a new division of the company. It all sounded promising until we got to the part where he thought I should be willing to write 3-4 press releases for the company for next to nothing on the faith that I'd get all that business from him from their clients.

I don't ever agree to these kinds of deals. Do you?

Marcia Yudkin
#agree #contingencies #deals #deferred compensation #flag #partner with us #red
  • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
    The old promise of future work for free work now. I'd skip that one in a heart beat.
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    • Profile picture of the author tsx
      Originally Posted by ThomasOMalley View Post

      The old promise of future work for free work now. I'd skip that one in a heart beat.
      Yes. AND, they are getting a 50% Off deal. You do the work for free, then you get to do more work for money, so you are doing twice the amount for the same price. We found ourselves in that position a couple of times, offering a 50% discount. Basically people offer to pay for the work with MORE work. Need to watch out for that.
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  • Profile picture of the author videolover7
    Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

    Just had a long discussion with a guy who owns a 40-year-old book printing company who proposed for me to be the designated publicity/copywriting expert for a new division of the company. It all sounded promising until we got to the part where he thought I should be willing to write 3-4 press releases for the company for next to nothing on the faith that I'd get all that business from him from their clients.

    I don't ever agree to these kinds of deals. Do you?

    Marcia Yudkin
    A new copywriter/marketer who is still "on the way up" might consider a deal like that.

    The red flag here, however, is the guy trying to get you "on the cheap". You've already built your reputation and proven yourself numerous times over the years.

    If that's his MO at the very beginning of a relationship, there's no reason to think it will change later.

    VL
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    • Profile picture of the author OutOfThisWord
      I just bluntly tell them "if you don't have the funds to take marketing risks, you don't have a business."
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve Faber
    Tell him "No problem, I want 20% of the gross revenue."
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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    This ain't Hollywood. I don't work on spec.
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    Aspiring copywriters: if you need 1:1 advice from an experienced copy chief, head over to my Phone a Friend page.

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    • Profile picture of the author rhinocl
      Some one offered me a similar deal. I asked him how much the average new customer was worth to him. He didn't know. How did he expect to a negotiate a percentage when he didn't even know his starting point?:confused:
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      • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
        There is a reason WHY he is being so cheap with you
        Gordon, you are right. He says he "can't afford" to pay my usual rate for the press releases he wants. This doesn't smell right. Either his overall company is in trouble and not earning money or he feels his new venture is too risky and doesn't want to invest in it. And if he doesn't want to invest in it, why should I?

        Thanks for your comments.

        Marcia Yudkin
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  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    Marcia,

    Perhaps my experience will help. Perhaps not.

    A couple of years ago I was asked to evaluate a book publisher with a 30 year track record and one of the great copywriters at the helm, but he had passed away.

    My advice to the company I was researching for was, not a good deal, the bookk publisher was at the end of their run. So a buyout was avoided. However, the book publishing company did put me under contract (90 days) and asked to help them start a new division and go digital and all that.

    Half way through the contract, the owner decided to cash out, and although I was still paid under the contract, the carrot of a piece of the action disappeared.

    If they've been around that long, they know how things work. I DEMANDED a guaranteed contract and got it, been around long enough to know things happen and tomorrow is not promised to anyone. There is a reason WHY he is being so cheap with you and I too never do these kind of deals.


    Gordon Alexander



    Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

    Just had a long discussion with a guy who owns a 40-year-old book printing company who proposed for me to be the designated publicity/copywriting expert for a new division of the company. It all sounded promising until we got to the part where he thought I should be willing to write 3-4 press releases for the company for next to nothing on the faith that I'd get all that business from him from their clients.

    I don't ever agree to these kinds of deals. Do you?

    Marcia Yudkin
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  • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
    I would jump out of that plane like James Bond and the Queen.
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    Marketing is not a battle of products. It is a battle of perceptions.
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidG
    "That's just wishful thinking..."

    I don't remember who posted this but it's the best way I've found to describe this type of scenario.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
    Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

    Just had a long discussion with a guy who owns a 40-year-old book printing company who proposed for me to be the designated publicity/copywriting expert for a new division of the company. It all sounded promising until we got to the part where he thought I should be willing to write 3-4 press releases for the company for next to nothing on the faith that I'd get all that business from him from their clients.

    I don't ever agree to these kinds of deals. Do you?

    Marcia Yudkin
    Ask him to pay you in advance and you'll write the articles sometime in the future.

    See what he says.
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    • Profile picture of the author rjweaver10
      So, this happened to me a while ago too. The guy wanted me to write all of his copy for his website and then he would pay me more later. It was something like 30 pages for $80. He said when he starts to get more clients he will charge them a lot of money. Palease!
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  • Profile picture of the author jakebvs85
    I don't think so. I mean it is not a fair trade.
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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    Even a contract is no guarantee, Ricky. I recently got burned on one and had to decide between wasting energy pursuing legal avenues or just chalking it up to experience.

    I'd rather have money in hand.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ricky Allen
    Well in that case money in hand it has to be.

    Ricky
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
      Many copywriters get half of their fee upfront and the other half when the work is completed.

      If you can live with half of your fees in the rare case you do have payment problems, then you are in excellent shape, especially taking into account that most clients are honest. Only the odd one will rip you off.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheWrightWords
    Quick translation from client-speak to real life application:
    "Partner with us" = "Hope you like Ramen"
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    • Profile picture of the author PatrickIcasas
      Originally Posted by TheWrightWords View Post

      Quick translation from client-speak to real life application:
      "Partner with us" = "Hope you like Ramen"
      lol, good one!

      Seriously though: run for the hills, Marcia. Even if his excuses were true (which they're probably not), would you want to tie yourself to such an unstable business?
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  • Profile picture of the author kencalhn
    On the rare occasions a customer dares asks me for a discount or bargain, not only do I blacklist them from my business, but I delete them from my email list (and 'block') them from reopting in with the same email at least, after politely explaining to them that professionals get paid in full upfront. I am known for this. It discourages deadbeats and "pay you tomorrow for a hamburger today" red flag clients.
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