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NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER AGAIN WILL I GIVE SOMEONE A BREAK

by iAmNameLess
56 replies
And neither should you.

So what happens when you feel like helping someone out and giving them unbelievable rates and discounts so they can get their business going? They want more, and more, and more, and more. They occupy your time so much, that it is taking time away from the clients you WANT. They want more things done, faster, better, and cheaper.

They eventually go away, because they don't believe you're offering them a deal... they go away, even if someone will do something for $5 cheaper a month. That is because price is their number one concern. This is the kind of client/customer, that you will never benefit from.

They are the first to want refunds, they are impossible to keep happy even though you have been incredibly generous, and they are the people that talk the most **** about you once they're gone.

SO!! Since these scumbag clients exist, and they definitely do exist in every area of the country, yours, mine, anywhere and everywhere, they are best to be avoided.

Why sell yourself short? Why cut a deal for someone when they won't ever be a good client? Word of mouth won't exist, except for the negative kind you don't want. They take time away from what matters.

For those starting out, it may seem like you need to lower your standards, and underbid everyone out there. This is not the case, you do NOT want to do that. A client like that in the beginning of your business, is CANCER. STAY CLEAR!
#break #give
  • Profile picture of the author jrobconsult
    Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

    And neither should you.

    So what happens when you feel like helping someone out and giving them unbelievable rates and discounts so they can get their business going? They want more, and more, and more, and more. They occupy your time so much, that it is taking time away from the clients you WANT. They want more things done, faster, better, and cheaper.

    They eventually go away, because they don't believe you're offering them a deal... they go away, even if someone will do something for $5 cheaper a month. That is because price is their number one concern. This is the kind of client/customer, that you will never benefit from.

    They are the first to want refunds, they are impossible to keep happy even though you have been incredibly generous, and they are the people that talk the most **** about you once they're gone.

    SO!! Since these scumbag clients exist, and they definitely do exist in every area of the country, yours, mine, anywhere and everywhere, they are best to be avoided.

    Why sell yourself short? Why cut a deal for someone when they won't ever be a good client? Word of mouth won't exist, except for the negative kind you don't want. They take time away from what matters.

    For those starting out, it may seem like you need to lower your standards, and underbid everyone out there. This is not the case, you do NOT want to do that. A client like that in the beginning of your business, is CANCER. STAY CLEAR!
    I have dealt with a few of these. It is better to let the competition to have these clients. You can't win no matter what you do.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheCG
    You can usually tell right from the start who these people are and while your instincts tell you what is up, lots of times we ignore them and try anyway.

    I'm feelin' you on this one.

    I always say never again to myself but next time I always seem to say to myself, "mybe this time it will be different."

    It is never different. *sigh*
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    • Profile picture of the author jrobconsult
      Originally Posted by TheCG View Post

      You can usually tell right from the start who these people are and while your instincts tell you what is up, lots of times we ignore them and try anyway.

      I'm feelin' you on this one.

      I always say never again to myself but next time I always seem to say to myself, "mybe this time it will be different."

      It is never different. *sigh*
      and I thought I was the only one who thought this way. Fortunately, most small business owners are great to work with, but these few are something else.
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  • Profile picture of the author Summertime Dress
    I agree and would also add that the same holds true for doing favors for friends...what begins as a favor helping out with a website turns into a year long "free consultation" whenever the friend needs help. I just had this come up with a friend and had to set clear boundaries exactly what I would and would not do without getting paid for my time.
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  • Profile picture of the author seomoney
    If small business owners aren't willing to pay at least $250 monthly. WALK AWAY!
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    • Profile picture of the author Deidra Renee
      Originally Posted by seomoney View Post

      If small business owners aren't willing to pay at least $250 monthly. WALK AWAY!
      I agree and this is my exact minimum..I never go lower than $250 per month. These people are usually looking for a *deal* and will probably cause you a headache in the process.
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  • Profile picture of the author High Horsepower
    Well said. When someone pays a premium they respect you and your advice. Stay away from free clients, family members/friends who mooch, ex-wives, etc...

    Sounds like you got burned, hopefully this will be a learning experience. Been there, done that...

    Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

    And neither should you.

    So what happens when you feel like helping someone out and giving them unbelievable rates and discounts so they can get their business going? They want more, and more, and more, and more. They occupy your time so much, that it is taking time away from the clients you WANT. They want more things done, faster, better, and cheaper.

    They eventually go away, because they don't believe you're offering them a deal... they go away, even if someone will do something for $5 cheaper a month. That is because price is their number one concern. This is the kind of client/customer, that you will never benefit from.

    They are the first to want refunds, they are impossible to keep happy even though you have been incredibly generous, and they are the people that talk the most **** about you once they're gone.

    SO!! Since these scumbag clients exist, and they definitely do exist in every area of the country, yours, mine, anywhere and everywhere, they are best to be avoided.

    Why sell yourself short? Why cut a deal for someone when they won't ever be a good client? Word of mouth won't exist, except for the negative kind you don't want. They take time away from what matters.

    For those starting out, it may seem like you need to lower your standards, and underbid everyone out there. This is not the case, you do NOT want to do that. A client like that in the beginning of your business, is CANCER. STAY CLEAR!
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  • Profile picture of the author internetPro
    Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

    And neither should you.

    So what happens when you feel like helping someone out and giving them unbelievable rates and discounts so they can get their business going? They want more, and more, and more, and more. They occupy your time so much, that it is taking time away from the clients you WANT. They want more things done, faster, better, and cheaper.

    They eventually go away, because they don't believe you're offering them a deal... they go away, even if someone will do something for $5 cheaper a month. That is because price is their number one concern. This is the kind of client/customer, that you will never benefit from.

    They are the first to want refunds, they are impossible to keep happy even though you have been incredibly generous, and they are the people that talk the most **** about you once they're gone.

    SO!! Since these scumbag clients exist, and they definitely do exist in every area of the country, yours, mine, anywhere and everywhere, they are best to be avoided.

    Why sell yourself short? Why cut a deal for someone when they won't ever be a good client? Word of mouth won't exist, except for the negative kind you don't want. They take time away from what matters.

    For those starting out, it may seem like you need to lower your standards, and underbid everyone out there. This is not the case, you do NOT want to do that. A client like that in the beginning of your business, is CANCER. STAY CLEAR!

    i always look forward to your posts they are straight to the point no bull helpful and on time my man as i said once before you are no longer name less YOU are THE MAN.... i love it
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    • Profile picture of the author mavericx
      Man, I hear ya on this one!!

      Coming from a different industry (Insurance), I've ran across the exact same thing.

      The good thing is you can usually spot the signs early if you look out for them.

      Sometimes it's just better to "cut the bait loose" and find another fishing spot! lol
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      • Profile picture of the author S3Ware
        In my previous life, I owned a home theater and home automation design and installation company. One of the main ways we got clients was through builders. I can't tell you how many custom builders we did systems for in their own homes at huge discounts with the promise of getting in with all their clients. We usually did get access to their clients but the demands and expectations of the builders was rarely worth it. Plus, any time they had the smallest problem with their system (like the remote needing new batteries) they were ready to throw us overboard and bad mouth us to all the other builders.

        Anyway, the lesson learned was never give discounts in exchange for a promise - or in this case, out of a desire to help someone out. If they don't want to pay what you're worth they will never appreciate your true value.
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        • Profile picture of the author Chasedmarketing
          Damn right!

          I'm having this problem now. I gave him a break and lowered cost alittle. Now he calls everyday about every little thing about the service. He wants an even lower cost because he thinks it's too easy for me. (It is,but thats not the point!)

          He wants me to do extra stuff, because he thinks he deserves it!

          (no referrals)
          (No extra money for extra work)
          (Not kind to my hours, Dont call on sundays)
          (Quick to change his mind, and slow to make decisions)
          I had to stop going over to his shop and switch to pay pal just to keep working with him. If I go over to his shop, he will ask for more work with no money(almost begging). Paypal is the best thing ever!

          Now we communicate through phone and email. Thank you tech

          Chasedmarketing
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        • Profile picture of the author jeffrey73
          LOL. Yep! And the ones that promise the most, always deliver the least!

          And once they do refer you to one of their friends, they all want the "friend" price. This usually translates to about 1/2 of the lowest priced contractor they can find on Craigslist. LOL

          If someone is a really "tight" spender in general, this is usually a clue that you don't want to work for them.

          Originally Posted by baib21 View Post

          In my previous life, I owned a home theater and home automation design and installation company. One of the main ways we got clients was through builders. I can't tell you how many custom builders we did systems for in their own homes at huge discounts with the promise of getting in with all their clients. We usually did get access to their clients but the demands and expectations of the builders was rarely worth it. Plus, any time they had the smallest problem with their system (like the remote needing new batteries) they were ready to throw us overboard and bad mouth us to all the other builders.

          Anyway, the lesson learned was never give discounts in exchange for a promise - or in this case, out of a desire to help someone out. If they don't want to pay what you're worth they will never appreciate your true value.
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          • Profile picture of the author EMaria
            Hello everyone,

            I haven't been an offline consultant very long (about 4 months now, have two clients), and so far so good.

            I was wondering, how do you bow out gracefully from a situation where you realize you might be getting a client from hell? As mentioned several times, word of mouth can cut both ways. Bad word of mouth can create just as much impact , in a negative way of course, as good word of mouth.

            Do you just politely tell a business owner who looks like trouble that you are overbooked (or something to that effect) right now, and maybe refer them to someone else (that is if you know someone who might be willing to deal with them)?

            I'm curious how anyone who has dealt with this situation handled it.

            Ellen
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            • Profile picture of the author S3Ware
              Originally Posted by EMaria View Post

              Hello everyone,

              I haven't been an offline consultant very long (about 4 months now, have two clients), and so far so good.

              I was wondering, how do you bow out gracefully from a situation where you realize you might be getting a client from hell? As mentioned several times, word of mouth can cut both ways. Bad word of mouth can create just as much impact , in a negative way of course, as good word of mouth.

              Do you just politely tell a business owner who looks like trouble that you are overbooked (or something to that effect) right now, and maybe refer them to someone else (that is if you know someone who might be willing to deal with them)?

              I'm curious how anyone who has dealt with this situation handled it.

              Ellen
              Ellen -

              Sometimes you can't always tell up front but a good rule of thumb is that if they start nitpicking on price and every detail of your service, it's probably best to walk away. I've always found the best clients (in any business I've been in) are the ones who ask questions but don't question you or your pricing ... and are willing to do business on a handshake (although it's always best to have something in writing).
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            • Profile picture of the author High Horsepower
              Originally Posted by EMaria View Post

              Hello everyone,

              I haven't been an offline consultant very long (about 4 months now, have two clients), and so far so good.

              I was wondering, how do you bow out gracefully from a situation where you realize you might be getting a client from hell? As mentioned several times, word of mouth can cut both ways. Bad word of mouth can create just as much impact , in a negative way of course, as good word of mouth.

              Do you just politely tell a business owner who looks like trouble that you are overbooked (or something to that effect) right now, and maybe refer them to someone else (that is if you know someone who might be willing to deal with them)?

              I'm curious how anyone who has dealt with this situation handled it.

              Ellen
              That's very simple, I've had to do it many times. Simply tell the client that one of your existing clients has given you a very large contract and you need to devote the majority of your free time working on that account. It would be unfair to them for you to work on their account because you couldn't give them the time and energy that they deserve. Thank them for the work then run.
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            • Profile picture of the author Jody_W
              Originally Posted by EMaria View Post

              Hello everyone,

              I haven't been an offline consultant very long (about 4 months now, have two clients), and so far so good.

              I was wondering, how do you bow out gracefully from a situation where you realize you might be getting a client from hell? As mentioned several times, word of mouth can cut both ways. Bad word of mouth can create just as much impact , in a negative way of course, as good word of mouth.

              Do you just politely tell a business owner who looks like trouble that you are overbooked (or something to that effect) right now, and maybe refer them to someone else (that is if you know someone who might be willing to deal with them)?

              I'm curious how anyone who has dealt with this situation handled it.

              Ellen
              I've dealt with this problem in another type of service business and handled it this way. I've told the CFH (Customer From Hell) that my professional opinion was that their business was at a point that they would get the most value from Business X (a competitor that I wanted to screw over) who specialized in situations just like theirs. I make a point of saying that I really enjoyed working with them and wanted to make sure that their business progressed to the next level. Heh heh heh.

              I got good word of mouth from the CFH and saddled my competitor with a nightmare.
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  • Profile picture of the author social joe
    You can tell a lot about a man by the company he keeps. Be selective in who you choose to be associated with. This is especially true if your planning to become a go to guy in your local area. One nightmare client can spread poisonous words about your service and spoil the barrel.

    If a potential client does not seem to value your time as much as they really should, then you know exactly what to do. You are bigger, better and worth much more.

    Rock on warriors! :-)
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    Happy to be amongst like minded warriors!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ian Varnava
    I know this doesn't add much to the discussion, but I must say:

    Cheapos will be cheapos.
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    • Profile picture of the author TE2
      iAmNameLess,

      We call these types of customers "dogs". A dog is one that uses up 80% of your time and resources but does very little if any business with you. And that business is typically not profitable against contribution to margin either.

      Years ago, I was hired as the VP of Sales for a small failing company. I identified the "dogs" and told the owners that I was going to get rid of them - they said "you can't get rid of customers". I said watch me!

      I explained what a "dog" was and how they cost us more than they were worth (actually a negative in so many ways).

      Once they were gone, the owners could not have been happier.

      Originally Posted by seomoney View Post

      If small business owners aren't willing to pay at least $250 monthly. WALK AWAY!
      Let me be a little bossy here and suggest that one should RUN AWAY!.

      Originally Posted by EMaria View Post

      ...how do you bow out gracefully from a situation where you realize you might be getting a client from hell?
      Ellen,

      Simple - don't bend over backwards. I got rid of the "dogs" by just simply quoting list prices (and sometimes above) - no more discounts. I also had our reps stop giving them expedited treatment. Great customers get premium red carpet treatment - all others get good customer service. The more you spend with me, the more perqs you get.

      Regards,

      John
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    Sounds like the type of person that wants life and success handed to them on a silver platter.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ian Varnava
    Some of my friends who work in retail call a similar type of customers WOTS.

    Waste Of TimerS.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    I generally agree, but must say it's sometimes not so easy to see this coming from some clients.

    I've signed up some very nice clients, well-mannered and friendly as can be....and then the Jekyll and Hyde transformation occurs. It's rare but I'm not sure you can always predict this by their early behavior.
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  • Profile picture of the author uebomoyi
    It's such a shame. I remember when I was like that, always refunding every product that didn't give me immediate satisfaction. I honestly feel it all comes down to your mindset. Once you have mastered your mind as well as having patience then I believe the sky is your limit.

    Hopefully there will be some type of system invented in the future to evaluate clients in the way you evaluate vendors and whatnot- kind of like an amazon type of situation. That way you'll know who's a trustworthy client and who's a trustworthy vendor.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tara
    I've enjoyed this thread...some of the comments actually had me laughing out loud because they are so true! I have started off doing some Pro Bono work for offline clients just so that I can have case studies to show the other clients but this has also helped me to know how to solve some problems before I get the clients whom will be on retainer. BTW...I plan on putting the pro bono clients on retainer also.

    I am coming out of the child care business and I have found that if ppl want quality they will pay for it and that's one of the hardest business' to get the rate you want. You have to have confidence in your business and nobody can put a price on what "your" business is worth, if they don't like it they can look else where
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    • Profile picture of the author Ehanson
      When a client turns your project into a job, thinks they're your boss and wants you on call from 9-5 it's time to get rid of that client. Your goal is to create a business for yourself, not a low paying job.

      I like the method mentioned above to tell them you've signed a big contract with someone else and will need to focus your attention to that project instead. That's one way of gracefully getting rid of them.

      Also, when they mention a previous web designer "disappeared" on them, run don't walk. That's a big red flag right there.
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      • Profile picture of the author 1stpage
        So true, all of this. Im dealing with a CFH right now...

        I think that it helps to disqualify potential clients as early as possible. Unfortunately, there are those that slip thru.

        @ Ehanson - LOL! Thats exactly where I went wrong! It started out with "my last developer ditched on me" and I knew better, but low an behold...Aaahh!

        Not worth it - they cost so much in lost opportunities alone.
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by brucerby View Post

        I generally agree, but must say it's sometimes not so easy to see this coming from some clients.

        I've signed up some very nice clients, well-mannered and friendly as can be....and then the Jekyll and Hyde transformation occurs. It's rare but I'm not sure you can always predict this by their early behavior.
        _____
        Bruce
        Very true... I have been doing this for a while now, and some I can pinpoint it immediately, and just get rid of them or refer them to someone else.

        Other times, you think a client is going to be great, and out of nowhere they become psychopaths. One of them started calling me around 1AM a few nights in a row.. WTF? LOL.
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by Ehanson View Post


        Also, when they mention a previous web designer "disappeared" on them, run don't walk. That's a big red flag right there.
        LOL!!! SO TRUE! I have heard that a few times. One of my recent clients said that, and fortunately have been the exception to that rule...SO FAR, at least.
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    I completely agree there are crazy people all over..BUT there are also companies from hell. Where they make big promises, charge big money. Then do not deliver. When you ask for an update/explanation..no reply is forthcoming. The frustration grows with the client until he is then labeleld a "customer from hell."

    It goes both ways. It's not all one way
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    yeah it's like dating a girl and he she mentions he ex cheated on her with her best friend...RUN RABBIT, RUN!

    Also, when they mention a previous web designer "disappeared" on them, run don't walk. That's a big red flag right there.
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  • Profile picture of the author mjbmedia
    all about positioning , you should be selecting them, are they who you want to work with, you only have XX amount of time so you only work with the right people/ companies .
    Set up a way to pre qualify all businesses that are interested in your services, is there plenty of back end potential are they forward thinking and dynamic enough to go further , are they well connected or have many strong B2B clients themselves that you can be recommended to as and when .
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    yeah I know a money manager who screens his "customers" first to find the right fit. If you do not pass his screen he does not take you on....he manages tens of millions.He does exacly what you guys should do. I guess it's the same for all life. Before you get married screen your partner...or that's the idea. Amazing how many do not..LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author swagcentral
    It's interesting to see you guys have these stories. I had a similar client who was pretty rude on the get-go, I still did web design for him. He repeatedly asked for changes, and I just complied, and did the very best I could as quickly as I could. I think by being extremely serviceable towards this client I have gained his respect. I can tell his behavior has changed, he's more polite, use more favorable words, etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
      Damn it.

      I was going to ask you for a favour.

      Think I'll leave it a while.

      Let the dust settle.

      Dan

      PS: Ever heard the term 'Give 'em an inch, they'll take a yard.' ?
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonthewebmaster
    Banned
    I have also experienced this, and you are true!! There are those clients that use, abuse, and are still not satisfied. I have stopped giving breaks and discounts and have started turning down business to those that cannot afford it. As soon as you drop your price they will know you are a pushover and will try to talk you into dropping your price on everything and then add more work to the pile, so DONT DO IT!
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  • Profile picture of the author e30drifter
    That's so true, when you cut someone a deal, they won't appreciate it.
    It's easier to keep your prices higher and they will go away themselves.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
    If you haven't read "The 4-Hour Work Week" then I would highly recommend it.
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    • Profile picture of the author ahlexis
      A long time ago I used to own a vending route, not a huge concern, just big enough so I worked one full day out of the week while I got training for something else, instead of a part time job.

      It's funny, because I had a client that was just like you describe. And the abusiveness! The main manager liked to boss everybody around, and as employees his people just put up with it, grit their teeth and went on.

      But we weren't employees!

      It was funny to watch what happened when my significant other and I decided we'd had enough. We quietly arrived on the site, truck in their driveway, and started loading up the vending machines onto refrigerator dollies and headed out the door for our truck.

      He gets word and comes in, saying, "Wait a minute! Where are you going?"

      My significant other turns and calmly says, "The cussing out you gave me last time, I don't take that from anybody. We've decided it's not worth it to provide you with our services anymore." Essentially, without directly saying it, "You're fired."

      He was all apologetic and everything, but by this time it didn't matter; we were determined to get our equipment out of there. This location was only one of ten, all of the others very smooth and easy going. It was the only place that made us hate getting into the vending machine business. And besides, there were way more customers who were more than happy to have our free service of keeping their employees happy and on the premises so that they could reduce their "late back from lunch" productivity losses. And the interesting thing was, some of our competition actually CHARGED for the company to have vending machines on the premises!

      After firing that customer we both went back to loving the vending business!

      What it taught me:

      The customer is NOT always right.
      Money isn't everything; sometimes respect is more important.
      Money talks, but action talks louder.

      You see, this guy I mentioned above thought that we should put up with whatever he dished out because we were making money providing his company services, that because he was standing between us and money in our pockets he could yell and scream and cuss up a storm and nobody would do anything about it because he was the boss.

      I just can't help but wonder what the cost of his actions were on the productivity of the rest of his company.

      As for the late night calls @ 1 am, if someone called your customer's son or daughter and woke up the entire household they'd be mad as hell, and they know it. You should point that out to them next time they call, it might make them realize they are being unreasonable. Once they realize it, things might change. Then again, perhaps not; some people are just a**holes.

      But for heaven's sake, expect and demand to be treated with respect. Life is too short to deal with people who make you grind your teeth or wish you didn't have to deal with them whenever they call . . .
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  • Profile picture of the author danielkanuck
    Yeah avoid clients like this like the plague. I would only offer discounts after they have used my services more than twice.
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  • Profile picture of the author bwh1
    There is always a competitor which will do it for less then what you charge.

    So if you value your work, don't go for discounts AFTER you closed the deal with the best terms for you.

    If the client isn't happy, let him find a McConsult somewhere else.

    G.
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  • Profile picture of the author O0o0O
    I actually dealt with a client that wanted more and more for the money he was paying. "Give me more for my money," he kept saying. How could I if I went rock bottom on everything I was offering? Sometimes you just have to hold your ground and move on. Sometime that is beneficial because the client will concede and pay for the service.
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  • Profile picture of the author DeadRooster
    The worst thing is, once you give someone a break, they tell their friends and all sorts of time wasters show up wanting the same treatment. It's like Night of the Living Dead -- they just keep coming. Brains... BRAINS...
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  • Profile picture of the author gekko2.0
    The best way to lose customers like that is to raise your prices, at first they will whine but eventually they will find someone else who will do it cheaper and then they are someone else's problem.

    My goal now is to be "expensive but good" as opposed to "the cheapest in town" and so far it's been paying off
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  • Profile picture of the author tonyscott
    Yep, I run into this too and even though my spidey sense tingles, I still find myself "helping someone out" occasionally and then realising I'm making a business error. It's not ALL about money, but 99% of the time I'm essentially buying a headache.

    Tony
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by tonyscott View Post

      Yep, I run into this too and even though my spidey sense tingles, I still find myself "helping someone out" occasionally and then realising I'm making a business error. It's not ALL about money, but 99% of the time I'm essentially buying a headache.

      Tony
      I feel ya... this is the biggest mistake I still make. When I don't have much to do or waiting for things to come in, or I just have extra time, I feel like I am doing something good by helping them out and giving them a discounted rate. It doesn't happen often, maybe once every few months, and it always comes back to haunt me. It really isn't about the money, but it is when you give someone a great deal, they just want to take and take.

      It isn't like I get these all the time, or this is how I run a business. I help people out at times, and regret it. What starts out as a weekend project in my spare time, ends up bleeding into the REAL work. Which is not good.

      No more favors! LOL.
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      • Profile picture of the author jeffrey73
        Like DeadRooster says, once you give someone the "friend" price, suddenly everyone who calls you wants the discounted "friend" price until you are giving your services away. I've been known to go WAY overboard with this myself.

        I know the law of "reciprocity" is to give, but it is also to mutually benefit. There are too many people who are not willing to practice it this way, and too many people are very greedy and only concerned about themselves.

        You have to let them know you care... just not too much.
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        • Profile picture of the author TE2
          Rules to Live By...

          1. Be the most expensive provider
          2. Never discount your offerings - period!
          3. Make them chase you and qualify themselves

          I'll expand those points here...

          1. You never want to be the cheapest. Deliver quality solutions and get top dollar for what you do. You will need less clients to make more money. You will spend less time and make more money. So get over your money hangups and price your offerings higher. Most of you need to think - much higher.

          2. If price is the issue, then you probably have not screened your prospects well. Your lead generation and sales funnel needs to do that for you. Qualify your customers - more in pint 3 below. If you have to offer a lower price - then take something out of your deliverable. For example, my wife ran a decorative painting business. She often attracted clientele that wanted wall and whole room murals but had no idea of the high cost. She soon learned that when they said they wanted it for half as much, she asked them which half they did not want painted. The point is "get paid 100% for all of your work".

          3. Set up your lead generation and sales funnel to bring you pre-qualified prospects. Automate as much as you can. I use free reports and e-courses to get them in my sales funnel. Second, I only advertise to target markets that I know have the means to afford my services. Finally, I also make it hard to reach me directly - they have to work to get to me and that is pretty much by becoming a paid customer. Again, I provide information for free (pre-written reports, ecourses, and articles on my site) but face-to face time has a price tag. There's more to my process but this should give you a feel for what I am trying to convey. Be "exclusive"! Create your persona of being "the guy (or gal)" to go to in your market.

          Do these things and people will gladly pay what you ask without question. Many times you will find that they are begging you to take their money.

          It's all about perspective. It starts with your viewpoint - if you think you are only worth $20 and hour; guess which clientele you are going to attract... If you are known as the "high priced Schiznit go to person" then your clientele are going to match. Which one do you want to be?

          Fix your own paradigm and problems like the OP's will go away.

          Regards,

          John
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        • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
          Originally Posted by jeffrey73 View Post


          You have to let them know you care... just not too much.
          That is called a pearl of wisdom.
          _____
          Bruce
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  • Profile picture of the author Dean Jackson
    I have clients like these all the time... all wanting to low ball fees for everything I do. And the first time I did this, something happened.

    I knew I was asking for trouble. And like you guys have said, it happened... like clockwork.

    - I was writing copy for a big video course. In my offer, I state that if there are videos, I charge an hourly rate to view them. I took a quick look, and informed my client they would be of little use because they were too technical (which we try to avoid in copywriting).

    - I wrote the copy, from the manual that accompanied the videos.

    - The client started asking for "little" changes here and there... I was OK with this, since people have different tastes and it doesn't take too long.

    - Then decided to change the whole angle of the copy I wrote for him (at my cost)... first big red flag. I spent a few hours rewriting it for this angle.

    - Client makes big promises of repeat business and getting "insider contacts" to entice me to work for less (second red flag)

    - He decided it wasn't enough, so guess what: HE GETS F***ING TRANSCRIPTS of the videos to avoid my hourly rate... I was extremely irritated at this point. I refunded it and decided it wasn't worth my time. I knew it was going to carry on and on if I didn't cut him off.

    ... I don't negotiate anymore. Lesson learned!

    Dean
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  • Profile picture of the author Danielm
    I think you can find this in any type of business. My wife is a dog trainer and we've found these type of customers even in that field. They call, obsess over the price, ask for a long term payment plan and a discount and if they catch you on a slow week you fall for it.

    A few weeks later they got the info they wanted, they make up some totally fake excuse and say that they don't want to pay the rest of the payment plan. You realize it's easier to not have to deal with them anymore and cancel the contract.

    After a few of those we cut down the amount of potential discounting and added a pretty steep surcharge to longer term payment plans with an official payment contract and credit card backup and the majority of those people went away.
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  • Profile picture of the author mattlaclear
    The longer you stay in business the better you will get at recognizing these type of people. So I do whatever it takes to weed them out of my sales process before they even think about becoming my clients. They still slip through but you can easily find them soon enough as they will always show their true colors eventually being the spineless, parasitical slugs that they are.
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  • Profile picture of the author krzysiek
    I agree with OP. I have recently sold a website and I sold it for cheaper than what I would have wanted, but It was my first sale and I wanted to make the money.

    Anyway, since I did not specify how many reviews could be made - it is partially my fault. But I must have performed 15 reviews on the site till we agreed it is good to go, and now still waiting for payment till other things are sorted. It's not bad because the client is very nice and not rude at all... but It was a lot more than I had expected. Learning experience, I will call it that.
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by krzysiek View Post

      I agree with OP. I have recently sold a website and I sold it for cheaper than what I would have wanted, but It was my first sale and I wanted to make the money.

      Anyway, since I did not specify how many reviews could be made - it is partially my fault. But I must have performed 15 reviews on the site till we agreed it is good to go, and now still waiting for payment till other things are sorted. It's not bad because the client is very nice and not rude at all... but It was a lot more than I had expected. Learning experience, I will call it that.
      Definitely a learning experience. It may not have really been the customers fault there, because when I first started, I had a few like that. It was more of me, not being straight forward at the time. They weren't parasites, it was my fault for thinking that I HAD to meet their every need without increasing the price. It is definitely easy to provide more work than it is worth when you're first starting because you want the money!

      I've been doing this for a while now, and every now and then someone does slip through that is a major pain to deal with. I think the best thing to do with customers, is let them know your boundaries when you first start. Many of us, do it all. We do the sales, support, and the actual work. It is sometimes difficult from a strategy stand point to mention your boundaries when closing a sale. LOL.
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