Dec
13
Friend/Client gets antsy about my fees
My friend (let’s call her JL) wanted to start her jewelry site. She talked to me about it on 2007, and I let her know that I don’t like to do shopping carts. I gave her my rates and we didn’t really talk until late 2008.
I decided to use goodbarry.com so I only had to do front end work. After 15hrs of work, I find out from her that she only has $1000 as a budget and she wants me to give her a discount.
I told her no, but I’d get her cart up and running and we could tweak from there.
She agrees and I don’t hear from her for like a week.
On Saturday morning, her brother calls up and asks me to justify the expenses I’ve emailed her on.
We decide to end my involvement on the project.
Lessons learned:
- No matter who/what is involved, use a contract. Don’t start work until it is signed.
- Be very detailed in breaking down hourly rates.
- If the client is wishy-washy, don’t do work with them unless it’s for the hourly rate.
- Friendship isn’t a strong motivator. Money is much stronger.
