For many freelancers out there (aspiring ones especially), the designing/creative aspect of the project is really the easy part - dealing with a client that's trying to squeeze every cent of value out of the project is where things can get a little hairy.
In thinking about some of the "not so smart" things I've said to clients over the years - and I've said a number of dumb things to clients that came back and bit me right in the butt, I put together a list below of the top 7 things that designers shouldn't say to clients.
1) "Send me what you have, I'll be able to make it work"
Issue: Over committing without knowing what you're going to get.
Unfortunate Scenario: Client thinks, "Cool" and sends you a 72 dpi image off of Google that they want blown up to banner size.
2) "Sure with PhotoShop I can pretty much fix and work with any photo"
Issue: Over committing without knowing what you're going to get.
Unfortunate Scenario: Client gives you beat up photo from 1975 that she wants to use...the photo is faded, torn and you have to remove her ex-husband. You've just inherited a 4 hour photo manipulation project in PhotoShop.
3) "I can, or I am willing to beat anyone's price"
Issue: Over promising, gets the client focused on PRICE and not VALUE.
Unfortunate Scenario: By saying these type of things in your marketing or in person to clients will result in you getting bargain shoppers, bottom-feeders and anyone else trolling for a bargain.Instead you'll want to focus on the difference in VALUE you provide rather than a difference in price.
4) "Call me whenever you have a question, I am always available"
Issue: Overextending yourself.
Unfortunate Scenario: It's nice to be accessible to clients, in fact, I've found that most clients have a real complaint in not being able to get a hold of their freelancer, but if this phrase comes out of your mouth, be prepared for clients to take advantage of it...and you. I said this to a client who not only would call me at 6:00 AM but as late as 11:30 at night - ouch!
5) "If you need it faster just let me know"
Issue: Overextending yourself.
Unfortunate Scenario: Somewhat similar to the example above, but what you should know about this deadly phrase is that clients...almost ALL clients will want something faster if they can get it. Rarely have I ever heard, "Nah, that's okay, get it to me when we agreed". Bottom line, establish a time line and if you get it done earlier then take the credit, just avoid promising that you can deliver earlier unless you want to be put under pressure.
6) "I've not done that type of project before but it won't be a problem"
Issue: Over promising to get more business.
Unfortunate Scenario: Admittedly, I've done this one myself, and I got away with it some of the time - but a few times it burned me. I tried to figure it out or search online for help - not a good idea. If you need the business but don't really have the skills, offer the client a bit of a discount and tell them you'll be learning as you go - yes, being honest goes a long way.
7) "If funds are a little short just pay me when you can"
Issue: Giving clients the freedom to pay you when THEY want.
Unfortunate Scenario: It would be nice to extend clients a little grace in paying their bill, some of them would not only appreciate but they would pay you as soon as they could. Sadly, many of them will use this phrase to take advantage of you and pay you later...waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay later.
Bottom line on this guys is that it's cool to try to help out clients where and when you can, just be wary of overextending yourself, and putting yourself in a bad position. What you say can and will sometimes be used against you!
PS - Check out the guest blogger page under the navigation section if you'd like to be a guest blogger here, or if you'd like me to put together something for your blog.
Nice post. I think I did all of those mistakes already, and that's my first year as a freelancer... Ouch! Do I suck?
Posted by: Ben | September 26, 2009 at 08:40 AM