You’re correct – the braggarts are the ones who typical argue the fee. The congenial, respectful ones understand your need to earn a living. Sigh. If only they had the money the others are bragging of having…

Why is it the guys that always brag about how rich and successful they are don’t want to pay a reasonable fee? Couldn’t be that they’re compensating for anything could it … naw.

I had a really pleasant encounter yesterday with someone who couldn’t afford me on this project, but we both left feeling very good about each other. He was very respectful of the value I bring, very regretful it wouldn’t work this time around, and expressed the desire to work with me in the future. Wish they were all like that!

But seriously, that back and forth about pricing business is exhausting. I had a client lke that too once. He kept on letting me and others know how wealthy he was. But all he wanted to do was nickle and dime me to death. I finally ended the relationship.

Sal, Dell has served me well for the last 8 or 9 years. I love this desktop. My daughter had a Dell laptop that was crapola from day one. Just a warning. I will say that most Mac users extol the virtues of their new machines and are converts for life. You don’t hear too many PC users switching from Mac OR thrilled with the choice.

Amanda, there’s the mistake they make. They brag incessantly about how well they’re doing and give you examples. Then the fuss about a fair price. Perhaps if the shoe were on the other foot and they were setting their fees, they’d understand that it’s a business proposition. I get all fluffed up with people who think writing is merely a hobby for those of us who make a living at it.

Your time is more valuable than being wasted discussing prices that are out of your range.

And by the way, I have been a loyal Dell fan for as long as I can remember. I am currently pricing MAC’s but a little timid because it will be a whole new operating system and short cut key strokes to learn.

I still think I will go with the MAC though, and I am sure I will be a happier person for it.

Invoice them for time lost.

Bargain shoppers? I look at them and state, “I see your priority is not the quality of the work that needs to be done. Sorry, I can’t afford to work for that. Best of luck. Bye.”

And if they come back a few months later because their bargain writer didn’t work out — I charge more.

If I’m spending more than an hour on back-and-forth on price, I tell them I’m going to have to start charging an hourly consulting fee, and that either makes them shape up or ship out. I have no problem losing out on a job where the client has consistently bargained on price with me.

I also once had a local real estate person extol on the extent of his real estate empire for a half hour before telling me to give him an hourly quote. I did, to which he replied with absolute shock and horror, and tried to get me to come down 2 freaking dollars. He said he’s paying for this assignment “out of his own pocket,” and has many other writers who’d do it for that price. I explained that my quote was based on my experience writing and not his experience real estating, and that he should go with his non-professional writers if he’s only willing to pay non-professional rates.

The worst part of it was, after I thought we were finished he says, “How about I give you a day to think about it. =Get back to me if you change your mind.” Ooo, I wanted to reach through that phone and…