Would you mention the cost?

5 replies
Hi all,

I am following a similar variation to the 'demosite' model for the wordpress local business site side of my business, however I don't charge any up-front free for the site - but intend to make regular recurring monthly income from the hosting/maintenance package that goes along with each site.

I mention in the proposal letter that the site is free of charge, and I even build the site beforehand so they can see it in the letter/web link I provide already running!

My question is:

Should I state in the letter that there is a hosting charge and how much it is? Or should I just let them call and tell them then?

Just wondered what you experienced guys would do?

Thanks,
Steve.
#cost #mention
  • Profile picture of the author David Miller
    If they know the site is free and you've left it at that, they would have to be thinking "where's the catch" and when that's where the thought process starts to take them, it rarely ends well.

    Just tell them how you get paid for the work you do. Sounds like what you do is develop and design the site for free and than charge a monthly hosting (and support I suppose) charge of xx.xx or whatever it may be.

    There's no reason to keep your charges a secret. It only serves to cause problems if you don't spell things like that out in the beginning.

    When you go to a restaurant and order a meal, the prices are on the menu. It's a business, so are you.
    Signature
    The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
    -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5812591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Never be afraid to talk about money.

    If a prospect doesn't want to talk about money, they probably don't have a budget and want you to work for free. Want to do that?

    Qualify your prospect to find out if you should be sharing technical expertise with them for a price. Then share the price.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5812989].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author chicka
    I suggest that you mention the cost on a later time, because often than not, they will be the ones who will ask for the cost.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5813153].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Azfar
    Maybe you can say like this..

    "If you subscribe to my monthly service for amount of xxx.xx I'll develop you a free website".

    Just my 10 cent.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5813255].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author StevieJK
    Wow, thanks everyone for the advice!

    I think I agree, mentioning the price upfront is the best way forward so that they are under no illusion that the hosting/maintenance/support is free.

    Anyone have any methods (like Azfar above) for how to approach this in a direct mail piece? i.e. how to mention the price and make it sound like great value?

    Thanks again everyone.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5816039].message }}

Trending Topics