I’ve freelanced off and on for 10+ years. You are 100% correct that this is terrible advice! I think it would be hard to compile a complete list of reasons why

I’ve freelanced off and on for 10+ years. You are 100% correct that this is terrible advice! I think it would be hard to compile a complete list of reasons why it’s terrible advice. I’ll add a couple though. People do not value what they don’t pay for. People perceive greater value the more they pay for something. By positioning yourself at 0 you immediately create the worst possible value perception for yourself. For a bunch of reasons, customers that pay more are almost invariably better quality customers. They are more likely to be able to tell you what they want, or at least work with you well to define requirements. They have more realistic timeframes and expectations. You do not want to work for people who want to get something for nothing or have so little understanding of what they’re after that paying you is a perceived risk. A free trial is desperation. Be confident, value yourself and your time!