That client who asked for a "quick chat" that turned into 4 hours of free consulting in Smyrna

Last month a potential client said they just had "one quick question" about their website and then grilled me for 4 hours straight with no contract signed. Has anyone else had a "quick chat" turn into a full blown unpaid workshop?

3 comments

3 Comments

charlieh741d ago

Oh man, the classic "one quick question" trick. I'm convinced these people have a secret playbook they all follow. What gets me is they probably walked away thinking they did you a favor by giving you the opportunity to talk to them.

morganl711d ago

idk but the real power move is when they start the conversation with a closed question like "can I ask you something quick?" and then just wait until you say yes. like you're literally giving them permission to waste your time and now you're the one who agreed to it. it's almost like they've figured out that getting consent upfront makes us feel like we can't back out later.

corap611d ago

Ten minutes is the magic number I've noticed. They always say it'll take "like two minutes" but it's always at least ten. I had a guy at the grocery store stop me with "real quick question" and next thing I knew I was standing there while he explained his whole work project and wanted my opinion on three different software options. It's like they think we're just standing around waiting to be a free consultant for them. And the worst part is they always act surprised when you finally have to leave like you're being rude for not devoting your whole afternoon to them. That "giving you the opportunity to talk" part is so true, they really do walk away feeling like they did you a solid.