Let me preface this rant by saying how much I love to help people. Got a problem? If I can help you, I will. No questions asked. Done and done.
Notice the keyword above is help.
Now I have been doing freelance web design on and off now for about five years. Some have been kinda flashy, others more low-key and mellow. Pretty much, when it comes to doing websites (or graphics), if you tell me what you want, I can try and make it happen. No sweat.
This client I have now ain’t so helpful.
Ironically, this is the price you pay dealing directly with people. Especially with a medium like the Internet. This particular client wants a complete redesign of his site (which is an extension of his television show) including blog capabilities, a searchable database of events, a message board, and an e-commerce portal. He wants it in a week. He wants it for $200.
That’s right. $200. I’m not missing a zero here. Two hundred smackers for all that.
So my headhunter points him to me. We speak on the phone for about 20 minutes.
Karsh: So have you sat down and decided how you want the site to look? Any certain colors? Patterns? Phrases?
Rock Head: Just make it look good.
K: Come again?
RH: Just make it look good. You know. Your headhunter referred me to you so I know you must be very very very very good.
K (mutters): Ego-stroking will get you nowhere.
For all he asked, including the other projects I’m working on, I gave him a timeline of six weeks.
RH: That’s too long. I need it by September 15th.
K: Are you serious?
RH: As a heart attack. And you’re asking way too much for this. It better be worth the money.
K: Excuse me?
RH: Yeah, because I could go with the design of the site the way it is now. Nothing’s wrong with it in my opinion.
K: Well there must be otherwise you wouldn’t be looking for a web designer.
Zing! I try and tell him to give it some thought as to what he wants, how he wants it to look, what sections he wants…the whole nine. I even offered to sit down with him so we could do this together so we can be on the same page conceptually.
RH: Well, I don’t really have time for that gay shit.
K: Excuse me? What did you say?
RH: You know, picking out colors and designs and shit. That’s some gay ass shit. I let my bitches do that shit. Just make it look good, aiight?
K: …
RH: Hello? Yo, I’ll holla back at you on Wednesday, aiight?
K: …
RH: Peace.
Now if you’re reading this and you need a website done, I implore you to look at the basics and the facts before getting into it. Know how much it is expected to cost, have some samples of the designers work, and be helpful. We’re designers, not psychics. Work with us people.
So am I going to meet him on Wednesday? I doubt it – but if he calls and accepts my offer of $1500, then I may just reconsider.
But I highly doubt it.
sheezus lord…you are better than me. I would’ve hung up on him. this right here is the story of my life as far as my typical clients go. I feel your pain…ohhhh do I ever feel your pain.
Run, don’t walk, away from that gig. He’s already disrespected you at least three ways to Sunday in that IM session alone – it can only get worse. Don’t let the $$ sacrafice your respect.
*rolls eyes*
Please don’t tell me you’re seriously considering working with whoever that is.
LOL. Viewed the site. LOL
He’s saying $200 cuz that’s CLEARLY all he’s got to spend.
Let him wiggle his tongue ‘tween ya buttcheeks first.
Yeah, I know the $1500 is low. But he wants ME to call HIM come Wednesday. Ain’t happenin’. By the way, here’s the site: http://www.utmtv.com
i say. dont do it at all.
Frankly, $1500 might be too low. He wants it ASAP and with very little guidance? That just means lots of revisions later when he’s not happy with decisions you’ve made in the absence of any from him.
Spell out in the minutest of details what you need from him in order to do the job that he will ultimately have to be happy with. Spell out exactly how long it will take to accomplish it right, not half assed. Stand firm on your price or raise it if he wants you to jump through too many hoops. And always be prepared to say thanks but I don’t need the work.
As we used to say when I was doing commercial advertising, “This would be a fun business if it weren’t for the clients.”
LOL
Well one good thing about being your own boss: you can tell the difficult clients to kiss yo natural Black ass!
Stand your ground baby.
I HAVE BEEN THERE BEFORE!!! This is usually what happens. They say “make it look good, do what you think is best” and when you do that they want to change everything, and god-forbid they like it and they definitely won’t leave you alone! Sometimes I think we share the same brain…