To me it sounds like the client has convinced you that his problems are worth more than your time. You are actually defending his side of the story. ...On top

To me it sounds like the client has convinced you that his problems are worth more than your time. You are actually defending his side of the story. ...On top of that, I'm working on an under-producing e-commerce site and I see the figures, I'm sure money is tight for my client.... You drank the Kool-aid. Go back and negotiate on a per day basis. Do not let any insecurity about your work creep in. If the client barks (he will), then tough luck. Keep your ground and dont move. He will either fire you or find somebody else. A tech-clueless business person will think twice before hiring someone else if the project is more than half way done. Also, the client is technical. The person is building an e-commerce site! Knows that internet + website + products = money. You are the key to his/her plans. He/she may not know how to code, but does understand how things work. He/she is just playing dumb to get you to lower the prices. Its working. You need to develop your hustle, or else your startup wont make it. Remember: They have your money on their pockets. It your job to get it. Dont break any laws, dont be immoral/unethical. But get that money. Good luck.