About four months ago, I was contacted by someone on LinkedIn regarding doing some writing for their company. I had a conversation with the owner, which I thought went quite well. I heard about their needs, gave a price estimate, then we agreed to talk further.
A month later, I heard back from the company. This time, I was contacted by someone else in the company. I was told about an upcoming project — the project parameters, the deadline, and all the particulars. Except for one — price. See, the price I’d given the first person was never agreed to or countered. So I did what any business person would do — I asked to discuss rate.
This person’s response was to send me more project info, and to say they’d get back with the deadline. Oh, and to welcome me aboard by introducing me to a team member I’d be working with.
Nothing doing. Without a conversation about price, I’m not putting a single keystroke into that project. That’s not being stubborn, either. That’s being smart.
Turns out it was very smart — when I was able to get the price out of this person, it was low — one-fourth of my quoted rate. I pushed back, saying my rate was clearly more than their budget. The response: Sorry it didn’t work out. No negotiation, and in my opinion, a little bit of a ploy to get me to rush back and beg for the work at the ridiculous rate.
They don’t know me very well.
I didn’t respond further because when a client’s budget is outside my fee and they don’t want to negotiate, we simply don’t have a match. And that’s fine.
What isn’t fine is what happened next:
The original contact got back in touch two weeks ago with another project.
The price this time was somewhat closer to my rate, but the workload was pretty intense. Not the right rate for the job, for sure. But that’s not why I didn’t respond (and won’t).
[bctt tweet=”When trust is called into question, the smart #freelancer stays away.” username=”LoriWidmer”]
See, I felt the second interaction with this company said a lot about how much they valued their contractors. Not only were they evasive on bringing up the rate, they were a bit dictatorial — “We’re paying $XXX for this” — and frankly, they assumed too much. They assumed I wanted the gig price unseen. They assumed the terms were going to work. They assumed that I’d jump on board and offer my 21 years of experience in the subject matter for a fraction of what my valuable clients are paying.
[bctt tweet=”New clients do not automatically deserve a break in #freelancewriting rates.” username=”LoriWidmer”]
Basically, this one series of communication with this particular prospect serves as a damn good example of how to spot a bad freelance deal.
When your price is ignored.
Clients are always welcome to negotiate. I’m totally open to it and understanding about how far one’s budget stretches. However, your prospective client cannot assume that they get set the price without your input. That’s unacceptable. It’s also not how to start any business relationship.
When the communication is already off.
Maybe that second person who reached out to me wasn’t aware that I’d not agreed to price. If that’s the case. shame on this company twice — once for lowballing and again for not communicating with the very people I’d be working with. Your next client should be able to convey the basics, and that includes project needs, point people, budget, and timeline. That’s just basic communication.
When the assumptions are flying.
Someone made a pretty large error in thinking I’d be dying to work for a fraction of my quoted rate. Are your prospects making that same type of assumption? If so, ask them how they came to their conclusions about your rate, your availability, whatever it is they’re assuming.
When your skills aren’t valued.
Like I said, I’ve been writing in this area for 21 years. That kind of depth of understanding comes at a premium. It’s the reason the company owner contacted me. It’s also the reason I charge the rates I do. Next time a prospect hits you with a low-ball rate, or assumes you’ll be eager to work like an employee (and get paid like their mail clerk), ask yourself these questions:
- How long have I been doing this?
- How many other clients are paying better rates, or have done so in the past?
- Why is this prospect starting out the relationship with an insult?
When there’s no attempt to build a relationship.
That’s the reason I won’t answer the most recent communication from this company. The first round of interactions left a bad taste, and I don’t see it improving over time. If the client comes at you with the “Here’s how it’s going to go” attitude, you’re already handicapped. You won’t be valued or treated like a professional. You’ll be treated like yet another employee who jumps when they bark.
While some bad deals are pretty obvious, ones like this aren’t necessarily going to send up strong red flags. When you get a bad feeling, trust it. Question everything before lifting a finger, and work under contract with any new client. It will save you countless hours of grief.
Writers, what’s one of the strangest red flags you’ve encountered?
How did you handle it?
5 responses to “Bad Freelance Deals (and how to spot them)”
All true! Good for you.
Just me, I might feel like having a little bit of a last word there. I might respond with, “Thanks for reaching out. As I mentioned last time we were in touch, we’re not a good fit. Best of luck to you.”
I just feel the need to say in so many words: I saw what you did and won’t tolerate it.
If you don’t respond at all, they might think you were too busy, out of town.
Of course, with your experience, you do you. Just saying I’m a bit of a (polite) jerk and might close that loop. Haha!
I like that– a “polite” jerk to close the loop. Great thinking, Gabriella! I may do just that. Sounds like it may be necessary or these notes will keep coming, I suspect.
Yes. Do it. Gabriella is 100% right — if those people still approached you after that first fiasco, they didn’t get the message. A polite buh-bye is in order.
Gabriella, were we raised by the same mother? 😀 LOL! I feel the same way. I’d close the loop so they get the message loud and clear. And I don’t want to give them fuel for spreading the falsehood that I don’t respond to project queries.
This story made me think of another red flag I had a few years back. I received a referral from someone I had been networking with for years (and whose work I admire). The potential client felt the same way about that person and were very excited about the prospect of working together. Then the contract arrived.
They ignored mine and had this one jam-packed with all kinds of CA employer paranoia. This was pre-PRO Act and CA’s AB5 but clearly they did not understand the difference between independent contractor and employee. I red-lined the contract and never heard from them again. So be it.
I do what Gabriella does, and point out that we’re not a good fit. I’ve also started keeping a list of companies and individuals, because I’ve found people move to a different company or change the name of the company, but try to pull the same crap.