Cheap clients, worth the hassle?
When a client comes along with a very low budget it's very tempting to cut prices to close the deal.
My blog on Wednesday Using FrontPage to make a Website was about a lead that wanted the earth on a shoestring.
The lead wanted an e-commerce website at a very cheap cost and to be developed in FrontPage.
The problem with these leads/clients; they're very difficult to work with, they're unlikely to pay on-time and they won't make very good recommendations because they don't value your work.
If a client isn't happy to pay the full market price for a service you offer they clearly don't value what you're offering.
Now, this might be because they don't fully understand what service you are offering; thus they can't see the value.
When a client is willing to pay your proper fees it means they appreciate your skills, experience and will expect to get appropriate perceived value.
A full-paying client makes a much better client. They'll let you be the expert; they won't tell you how to do your job. These clients tend to appreciate what you have to say, listen to your advice and let you get on with the job with your expertise.
It can be very difficult since at the end of the day turnover is turnover. When you have to pay your overheads you need every business you can get. But if a client is going to be unreasonable it's just not worth the hassle and time.
If a client doesn't have the full budget - what about offering them help/support and advice?
Also, try breaking down the cost into an hourly fee and explain how much time it will take to complete the project.
Well, the weekend is almost here! Have a good one.
Back Monday at 09:00
Simon
