eCommerce Tycoon

**Plugin-Developer** · 05-28-2008, 09:39 AM

As a general rule, I charge a fair amount for my development services. However, I've noticed that I get lowball project budgets from most prospective clients.

For example, I recently answered a bunch of question in order to develop a set of requirements for a plugin that would resemble an existing web application. Only after asking directly did the client tell me his budget was < $250. While any money is good money, the effort required for development of this plugin is much greater than that.

What should I do with prospects like this? How could I let people know, in advance, what to expect from my quotes?

**chrishirst** · 05-28-2008, 10:49 AM

Very simple;

I have one maxim I stick to when dealing with "clients".

The cheaper they want it, the more trouble they will be.

Quote:

While any money is good money

Not always.
You can pretty much guarantee that while you're messing about with a penny pinching cheapskate, a better paying, less hassle job will get away.

**willcode4beer** · 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishirst

The cheaper they want it, the more trouble they will be.

take this to heart

The best way to deal with clients is to present yourself as a professional.

A lawyer will charge $250 just for a consultation. Developers and lawyers earn a comparable amount.

You need to make sure your time is well compensated.

Let's say you are working really cheap ($50/hr). You'll burn-up $250 just sitting with the client working out the requirements, emailing, negotiating, etc, before you even get started on the project.

If you get a large number of low-ball clients, try establishing a minimum charge so they can filter themselves out. This will save both you and the client time and money.

**Plugin-Developer** · 05-28-2008, 03:24 PM

Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it. I was leaning towards what you guys are saying here.

**VirtuosiMedia** · 05-28-2008, 04:32 PM

I won't repeat everything here, but my current blog post covers some ideas about how you can handle situations like this.

**Learning Newbie** · 05-28-2008, 07:20 PM

Can you design a module for me, for $10? I have lots of future business I can promise you. Heck, I have this system coming up, where I need the web server written in assembly language. I'm willing to pay up to $15 for that one!

(There's a point in there. Once you show you're willing to work for any amount of money, you've type casted yourself like a bad Hollywood actor.)

**upstarter** · 05-28-2008, 11:03 PM

You know, I have lots of friends in various professions. And they all have this problem. The architect who should be able to draw up a house for $99 (It's just lines!). The photographer who should shoot products for a whole catalog for $50 (you just press a button!)

I guess some people are just cheap. Best to avoid those.

**Plugin-Developer** · 05-29-2008, 12:32 AM

Thanks again for all the input from everybody. I really appreciate it.

**raoullazo** · 06-11-2008, 07:46 AM

HI

I'm developing a web application that will be of great help to people like you around the world.

Being an IT professional and executive for the past 35 years, my heart bleeds when I read threads about online employers treating freelance developers like slaves! They expect a lot of work for a few breadcrumbs.

If I were you, when dealing with prospective employers make it a point right from the start you are a professional and your skills don't come cheap. When you feel that he is picking your brains to try to get good ideas from the start, send him a copy of your resume instead to prove that you can do the job without actually doing any work.

If he is a legitimate employer he will see the point and retain your services. Don't waste your skills and efforts on people who just want to take advantage of you.

**ECSuite_Russell** · 06-11-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raoullazo

If I were you, when dealing with prospective employers make it a point right from the start you are a professional and your skills don't come cheap. When you feel that he is picking your brains to try to get good ideas from the start, send him a copy of your resume instead to prove that you can do the job without actually doing any work.

If he is a legitimate employer he will see the point and retain your services. Don't waste your skills and efforts on people who just want to take advantage of you.

I like this advice.. one thing to keep in mind though, not everyone is out to get you, if they give you a low ball price, they honestly just might not know any better, be inexperienced, etc.

I'd try correcting them at first, give them what you think is a more accurate figure and not be aggressive about it, explain its more along the lines of what you or others in the industry normally charge. But at that point if hes still lowballing I'd move on.