The Deal about Posting Your Rates vs. Asking for Your Client’s Budget
Written by Cedric Solidon on February 17th, 2009 at 9:07 AMI’m a little late with my blog reading since I’ve been pretty busy with work lately (and thus the infrequent posts too), so my response to a post by the Men with Pens is a little late as well.
Anyway, the post that I’m referring to is to whether or not freelancers should ask potential customers their budget. Here’s my take on it.
Ever since I began freelancing, I tried different methods of dealing with potential clients. What I found least effective was telling them my rates when they ask for it. I often don’t get any response from this method. It’s probably because that my rates are out of their budget or some other reason.
But what some potential clients don’t realize is that there is always a room for negotiation. Maybe the project’s easy and I can finish it quickly so I would be willing to lower my rates just for that project.
By far, the most effective method for me is asking them for their budget first. It goes like, “how much are you willing to spend for this type of project?” I then e-mail them back with the things that I can do with the budget they’ve given me. More often than not, they go ahead and give me the green light on the project.
Why does this type of method work for me? Because it gives potential clients more control over their money by giving them the flexibility on how to spend their money. On my part, it gives me the opportunity to show my clients the value of work that they will get for the money that they are willing to spend. In the end, it’s a win-win situation. No shots in the dark, no bad feelings left by unanswered e-mails.
How about you, which method do you prefer?
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4 Responses to “The Deal about Posting Your Rates vs. Asking for Your Client’s Budget”
By Jessie Somosierra on Feb 17, 2009
A very good suggestion, many bloggers will be help by it. It is also the Filipino way. usually this is answer I received to some people I talk with.
By Cedric Solidon on Feb 17, 2009
Thanks for dropping by Fr. Jessie. It is a very Filipino trait, I agree, but I found it also effective even with foreign clients.
By Yolander on Mar 1, 2009
That’s a really interesting method CD, I haven’t tried that approach. I pass a lot of work on to less expensive freelancers that I could maybe do myself if I just adjust my services to fit the client’s budget. I’ll try this and let you know how it goes!
By Cedric Solidon on Mar 3, 2009
I’d love to hear how it works for you.
Been away from DP for a very long time now. Lots of things are going in the background. Anyway, I’ll post one here very soon!
See you around!