Customer told me my web design rates were too low and I thought he was just trying to save money

4 comments

4 Comments

Wait, are we really acting like this is some kind of betrayal? The guy said your rates were too low, which is basically the nicest insult you can get as a freelancer. He's not trying to screw you over, he's literally telling you to charge more. Take the win and move on.

the_hayden1mo ago

Gotta admit I used to side with the people who got annoyed by this, but @kevin_williams kinda changed my mind. I had a client last year tell me I was undercharging and I got defensive at first, but then I bumped my rate by 30% and they didn't even flinch. Ended up making like $800 more on that project than I would have if I'd just taken the original offer. Kinda wish more people would be that upfront instead of just ghosting you or trying to nickel and dime everything.

ivan4621mo ago

Have you ever had a client tell you that and then lowball you on the actual price though? @garcia.cameron's right that it's usually a good sign, but I've had people say that and then try to get me to do it for half what I quoted. So I'd just say thanks, bump your rate up a bit, and see if they still want to work with you.

kevin_williams1mo ago

Last year I charged someone $500 for a site and they literally paid me and then sent me a link to a Fiverr guy who does the same thing for $1500. I felt like a clown. Anyway @ivan462 is right though, you gotta watch for the ones who say "you're too cheap" then try to haggle you down even further. It's like dude, you literally just told me I should charge more, so why are you offering me less? Some people just like to hear themselves talk I guess.