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Pre-Negotiations with first client (web design)

by Keen creations
6 replies
So I recently posted on Craiglist to offer web design to people.

I recently got an email asking me questions about my service and it was a guy that was a painter who did his job by himself so, it was an obviously small business. He said since he is alone he would like a website to get clients and then he wants me to do SEO. He said he has a pretty small budget.

I already have a company that I outsource the web design to and as for SEO I have a pretty quality but cheap company to outsource to also.

So I can do both services for him pretty cheap. I replied to him and said that I would like to know his budget and asked for a range of what he could pay, I said I needed that so I can find a good fit for both services he needs.

Was this the right thing to say, do you think? And for the future if I'm in this situation again, how should I have handled it? Any extra tips or advice are welcome too, thanks!

p.s. I dont have any money to spend for IM and getting started with a legit business so this could be my chance for me to get some money to continue with IM. Also, this is my first customer ever so I dont want to lose him.
#client #design #prenegotiations #web
  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    Originally Posted by Keen creations View Post

    So I recently posted on Craiglist to offer web design to people.

    I recently got an email asking me questions about my service and it was a guy that was a painter who did his job by himself so, it was an obviously small business. He said since he is alone he would like a website to get clients and then he wants me to do SEO. He said he has a pretty small budget.

    I already have a company that I outsource the web design to and as for SEO I have a pretty quality but cheap company to outsource to also.

    So I can do both services for him pretty cheap. I replied to him and said that I would like to know his budget and asked for a range of what he could pay, I said I needed that so I can find a good fit for both services he needs.

    Was this the right thing to say, do you think? And for the future if I'm in this situation again, how should I have handled it? Any extra tips or advice are welcome too, thanks!

    p.s. I dont have any money to spend for IM and getting started with a legit business so this could be my chance for me to get some money to continue with IM. Also, this is my first customer ever so I dont want to lose him.
    I hate it when people ask me what my budget is. I always ask in return, what price can you do this for? If they don't give me an answer and instead want to have their own sliding scale for when I tell my budget then I move on.

    However, I always like to know what someones budget is as well lol. Instead of being direct... I like to approach it like this.. Keen Creations, what kind of budget do you have available for this? The reason I ask is I want to make sure I can present you with a few different options and we can work together on what will benefit you the most while not breaking the bank!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    My suggestion is that you put together Small, Medium and Large packages for your service. Definitely ask what kind of a budget they've set aside ("in round numbers"..."off the record"...). If they don't have one, or won't tell you, then you can say:

    "Well, my clients typically choose one of three options. These range from $X to $Y. Which of these do you think fits best?"

    Then STICK TO YOUR PRICE. If they want you to drop price, you say, "OK, we can do that. What features would you like to cut?" They will have an interesting reaction!

    If you undercut yourself, you immediately lose credibility.

    Also, you may have seen a recent thread started by a designer who got in a bit over his head. He didn't work out a clear scope of supply first, and his client kept coming back for more features at no cost. This must not happen--if your client wants your expertise, they need to pay for it! Make sure your scope is agreed upon first, and don't let it creep. Use change orders to control this ("We can do that. Here's what the additional effort is valued at.")
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    • Profile picture of the author Shadowflux
      I try to get a feel for how much the client is willing to spend on a particular project. I do, however, have standard rates which I offer to everyone. I usually couple that with reminding them of how important my services are, how they are of a higher quality than other services.

      I also like to mention everything they will be getting, like: "So that is only $100 for 5 "item A's" an "item B" and a free "Item C".

      I like to give something away for free to encourage them to order more. For instance "I can give you 1 free item for every 9 that you order."

      I think you should also be willing to work with the guy if he is on a tight budget.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
        Originally Posted by Shadowflux View Post

        ...I think you should also be willing to work with the guy if he is on a tight budget.

        Well now, some people are just not a fit with us as clients because they cannot afford our services. Remember, we are not trying to convert everyone we talk to into a client! They must:

        * have and acknowledge a need for what we provide
        * have the ability to pay for our expertise
        * be a fit personality-wise with us.

        Don't forget about bartering, though; I use it all the time.
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        • Profile picture of the author David Miller
          I also don't like when someone asks what my budget is. To me it reminds of the old routine when what you want to buy somehow matches how much you have in your pocket.

          However, on this point I agree with Jason, not everyone can afford to do business in a way that is going to be profitable. If I went to a Mercedes dealer I know he wouldn't ask me my budget, he would just ask me how I intend to pay, period. If I can't afford his Mercedes, I'm off to Hyundai.....fine car by the way!

          When we're anxious to get off the ground we make concessions that we really don't want to. Now this guy is a painter, and I promise you that he doesn't bargain when he bids on a job more then a point or two if at all. Every contractor I've ever worked with claims they don't have much money, and that's not your problem. If they don't have the money you need to pass but odds are it's his way of grinding you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    I keep forgetting I have a blog :rolleyes:

    This article will be helpful for people who have questions about budget.
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