As a small business owner, you've got to raise your rates. That doesn't mean your clients are always happy about it. Here's what to say when you past clients are unhappy: Option One – Let her know you’re even better now, but you love working with her Hi ____, I realize that this is a large increase from the last time we worked together—but I’ve upped my game and have taken classes in/brushed up my skills ____ and ____. That means I’m even better at ____ than I used to be, and my … [Read more...] about What to say when a past client is unhappy with your rate increase
What to say when…
What to say when you raise your rates
You can, and should raise your rates from time to time. As you get more experience, you can charge more. But it can be awkward to tell past clients that your rates have gone up. Here's how: Option One - Retainer price going up--but slower for you! Hi ____, I wanted to give you a heads up that our retainer rates are going up in 90 days, from $____ to $____. Why? Well, in the past year I’ve learned a whole lot of new things, like ____ and ___, and these new skills will allow me to … [Read more...] about What to say when you raise your rates
What to say when a client wants free work
Freelancing means FREE, right? Nope. Here's what to say when you get those dreaded requests for free work from potential or past clients. Option One - Freelancers die from exposure Hi ____, Thanks for your interest in my services, but at this time I am unable to work for free or for exposure. If you would like to hire me, a rough quote for this project would be $____ - $____. Please let me know if you'd like to move forward, and I'll send you an official … [Read more...] about What to say when a client wants free work
What to say when a potential client has no budget
We get it, sometimes there's no money. But you can't always work for free. You're a business, not a charity. Here's what to say when a potential client has no (or a tiny) budget: Option One - How about a template or DIY course? Hi ____, Thanks for getting in touch, I am happy to hear you like my work. Unfortunately, my prices start above your budget and I'm unable to discount. At this stage in your business I would recommend this ECOURSE [link] or even using a pre-made website … [Read more...] about What to say when a potential client has no budget
What to say when a potential client says you’re too expensive
What do you when a potential client thinks you're too expensive? If you've been in the design business for a while, you've likely heard this from potential clients before, "you're too expensive!" or something to that effect, anyhow. So what do you do? You've got a few options! Here are some handy-dandy email scripts I've created that you can copy+paste, and tweak to send to that potential client who thinks you're too expensive. Note: These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, … [Read more...] about What to say when a potential client says you’re too expensive
What to say when you stop offering services
Changes happen. In business, in life, things don't stay the same. You may stop offering certain, or all services. Here's what to say when that happens. Option One – The business shift Hi ____, My business is changing, and I wanted to let you know how those changes affect you. I've decided to shift my business towards offering ____ and ____. That means, starting on ____ I'll no longer be able to provide you with ____. I recommend getting in touch with ____ or ____ who both … [Read more...] about What to say when you stop offering services
What to say when you can’t do something
Sometimes, you might get a request or offer, but you just can't. Here's what to say when that happens. Option One - Thanks, but I can't even right now (but I can later) Hi ____, Thanks for your email! I'd be happy to ____, but right now I'm completely occupied with client work and can't dedicate the time. Could you email me back in ____ when I have the mental space and time available to give this my full attention? Thanks, -NAME Option Two - Thanks, but I can't even right now (I … [Read more...] about What to say when you can’t do something
What to say when a client hates everything that you’ve sent her
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you run across a client who hates everything you do. EVERYTHING. The blue isn't blue enough, the text isn't text-y enough--everything is WRONG. Here's how to handle this situation: Option One - Get her to clarify Hi ____, I’m sorry you haven’t liked anything I’ve sent so far. Reviewing the information you sent me, I feel like I’m on track. Can you please clarify more of what you are looking for? What do you like and dislike about each design … [Read more...] about What to say when a client hates everything that you’ve sent her
What to say when a client insists on something and then hates it
Clients have lots of ideas. And sometimes, they insist on them. You might know it's a terrible idea, but are forced to do it anyhow. And then, eventually, the client realized their great idea wasn't so great after all. Here's what to say when that happens. Option One – Change it Hi ____, I agree, the ____ isn’t working. I’m happy to try something else, I’ve already got a great idea! I’ll send over a new mockup tomorrow! Thanks, -NAME Option Two – Charge for it Hi … [Read more...] about What to say when a client insists on something and then hates it
What to say when a client wants part of their project to look “different” from the rest
Consistency is a great thing, but sometimes clients want to branch out and do something totally different. That might be a great idea, or a terrible one. Here's what to say. Option One - Okay! Hi ___, Making ____ look different sounds like a fun idea, though I didn’t include this option in my original quote. To make the ____ look different, it would be an additional $___. If that sounds good, let me know by ____ and I’ll add it to the invoice and get … [Read more...] about What to say when a client wants part of their project to look “different” from the rest