They probably assume all freelancers are “hungry” and therefore willing to accept less than they likely have budgeted.

A great response, Paula. Have you found in those cases where you didn’t insist, you did end up spinning your wheels?

I had one situation where the client heard my price, reacted, but never negotiated. When they got in touch a month later, a different person was in my email. A flurry of emails came in. I bypassed most of them and went to her last one, which said the job “was paying” $1,500 — $3K less than my quote and a hell of a lot less money for the amount of work involved. I passed.

But the attempt to get me on board without telling me the rate left a bad taste. It felt deceptive, which wasn’t the vibe I got from the first contact. I understand having a budget. I don’t understand shoving work at someone without negotiating and doing it without a discussion.

Gina, I think you should. It saves everyone time and energy if the price doesn’t match what they can pay. Knowing whether or not they have a clue might be tough to determine unless they’re straightforward with it, but definitely provide a price. I don’t think dancing on either side of the equation serves any purpose.