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> If you pick a bad client, or a job where you need more time than you anticipated to complete it, you might end up underpaid These things are easier said than

by evv 11y ago

> If you pick a bad client, or a job where you need more time than you anticipated to complete it, you might end up underpaid These things are easier said than done. Could you share a bit about what you've learned in the way of avoiding bad clients and estimating your work?

pan69 11y ago
The way I screen a client is by getting them to write a brief in an email. The reasons I do this is; a) Its easy for clients to blurt stuff out over the phone without a second thought. It's impossible for me to take accurate notes on this, only to get an impression of what they're after. b) A written brief tells a lot about someone's communication capabilities. When a written brief is poor then I have a better idea on how to deal with a client like this, i.e. I have to do a lot more hand holding and depending on my existing workload I can either decide to let them go or not. Also, watch out for clients who bring carrot danglers, i.e. they will suggest that you should do this project either for cheap or free because they have a lot of other projects coming up in the near future (they don't). In this scenario simply reply that you have to charge 100% for this project but that you might be able to give a discount on a future project, you won't hear from them again since they want cheap or free. Also, never lower your hourly rate but give a discount instead. This means that clients still see what you'd normally charge and if they come back in the future you actually can charge them your normal rate.
scrollaway 11y ago
Estimating your own prices is something even I have trouble doing after 10 years, so I won't be too much help there. But to avoid bad clients, you really just have to make sure you talk to them and fully understand the project before accepting the job. Bad clients will always have red flags early on. If you talk to them for 30 minutes and the job is already twice the size you initially thought it was, you might be with someone who will want to ask for more along the way. If there is any doubt: - Ask for a small % in advance or a larger % in escrow. Clients that can't handle that are unlikely to be easy to deal with come time of the bill. - If the project is unclear, ask for sketches/photoshops before signing the final contract. You can also do those yourself and ask if this is what they have in mind. - Make sure to have a written transcription of exactly what you will do, alongside the contract. Emails, transcribed/recorded calls, etc. If you're a core part of your client's product, they will more than likely be willing to hire you for more work, or as an employee for continued maintenance. And don't be afraid of saying no to shitty contracts. One really good client can easily bring you a year's worth of work.
- deleted 11y ago
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by evv 11y ago

pan69 11y ago

The way I screen a client is by getting them to write a brief in an email. The reasons I do this is; a) Its easy for clients to blurt stuff out over the phone without a second thought. It's impossible for me to take accurate notes on this, only to get an impression of what they're after. b) A written brief tells a lot about someone's communication capabilities. When a written brief is poor then I have a better idea on how to deal with a client like this, i.e. I have to do a lot more hand holding and depending on my existing workload I can either decide to let them go or not. Also, watch out for clients who bring carrot danglers, i.e. they will suggest that you should do this project either for cheap or free because they have a lot of other projects coming up in the near future (they don't). In this scenario simply reply that you have to charge 100% for this project but that you might be able to give a discount on a future project, you won't hear from them again since they want cheap or free. Also, never lower your hourly rate but give a discount instead. This means that clients still see what you'd normally charge and if they come back in the future you actually can charge them your normal rate.

scrollaway 11y ago

Estimating your own prices is something even I have trouble doing after 10 years, so I won't be too much help there. But to avoid bad clients, you really just have to make sure you talk to them and fully understand the project before accepting the job. Bad clients will always have red flags early on. If you talk to them for 30 minutes and the job is already twice the size you initially thought it was, you might be with someone who will want to ask for more along the way. If there is any doubt: - Ask for a small % in advance or a larger % in escrow. Clients that can't handle that are unlikely to be easy to deal with come time of the bill. - If the project is unclear, ask for sketches/photoshops before signing the final contract. You can also do those yourself and ask if this is what they have in mind. - Make sure to have a written transcription of exactly what you will do, alongside the contract. Emails, transcribed/recorded calls, etc. If you're a core part of your client's product, they will more than likely be willing to hire you for more work, or as an employee for continued maintenance. And don't be afraid of saying no to shitty contracts. One really good client can easily bring you a year's worth of work.

deleted 11y ago
[deleted]