It has always been said that everything has its pros and cons. This is in fact true because when it comes to freelancing, a lot of people fancy it as you are not answerable to anyone and being your own boss is sometimes the best thing in the world. Freelancers do face a lot of problems and one big problem that they have to handle is pricing of the projects. There are a few designers who offer their services with package based pricing. However, most of the designers have to give clients a custom quote, depending on the project and its demands. Time duration for completing a project will always be different for each project hence; estimating time is a challenge for all designers. Apart from that, getting a client agreed on your quoted price is even a bigger challenge. Lets find out how to manage a client who challenges your Design Pricing.
Not every designer can be a sales person but if you are freelancing, it is kind of a part of your job because you have to sell yourself. The kind of services you provide will definitely make things easier or sometimes difficult for you. If the services you provide are popular and in demand, then getting a project should not be an issue for you. However, these days, in order to pay bills, most freelancers cannot afford to offer higher pricing and lose out on a client so pricing projects in a right way is very important.
Pricing Objections:
In designing industry, pricing objections are a part of daily routine of designers. No matter what you quote, clients will always bargain about it. In most cases, clients do not even know what they want and still they bargain over prices quoted. Sometimes, people around them tell them that the project can be accomplished in half the price being quoted by the designer. It does not matter what kind of scenario it is, dealing with price objections is always a mess for designers.
Today, we will be discussing a few tips which can definitely help you in getting the potential client sign the contract on the quoted prices. You will obviously find some very difficult clients who are not willing to agree to the quoted price however, there are sensible clients who will understand your point of view, if communicated effectively.
1. Split the Prices:
Instead of scaring your client away by quoting the total amount of the project, it is always a good idea to break it down. Explain the pricing to the client in various steps. Only quoting a huge amount price will definitely make a client think twice. However, it is important to convey to them the kind of services they will be getting for that price. So, break down you services and then charge accordingly. In order to break down the pricing, you will have to break down your project into different steps. You have to show to the client what are you going to do and how you will be handling the entire project. If the project involves usage of different material, educate your client that it is going to be time and taking and then charge accordingly.
Not only breaking down the prices can do wonders but you can even break down your services and steps for a project completion. For instance, you can charge for designing separately and you can charge for coding, revisions and launching of the website separately. You can mention all the steps in your contract along with their pricing. This will educate the client about the effort you are going to put in into his project. Client should know that every penny that he is paying is worth it. It is always better to arrange a meeting and explaining your proposal to the client rather than emailing it.
In order to make things easier for the client, you can always offer them to pay in partial payments. Paying in installments can definitely convince a client as it looks far more convenient than paying a check of huge amount.
2. Get into Details with the Client:
Do not just brief your client. In fact tell them each and every detail, be it minor or major regarding their project. Enlist every service that your will be providing. Many clients will compare your prices with other designers. In such cases, designers should find your proposal to be interesting and more reliable. Whatever services you will be providing, do write them in your proposal to increase the weight-age of your proposal. When a client learns about all your services, he will automatically learn that the price quoted is justified and well deserved. As mentioned earlier, not every designer gets into details with the client. While comparing your proposal with others, your detailed proposal will definitely help your potential client in making up his mind.
3. Be Flexible Professional:
You are bound to have pricing objections so here; you need to find ways to get out of it. If a client has reservations regarding the quoted price, you can always offer them different options. Some clients cannot afford the prices quoted by you. In such cases, you can always offer them other options which will still allow them to work with you. A few subtractions here and there in the project, with less but quality services can still help you in making a client agree. Offering options is not possible for every project but it can still help for a lot number of projects. This way you are giving your client a control to choose from and the prices can be adjusted accordingly. This way you won’t be loosing out on a client and they will also respect you for the help you have tried to provide.
4. Educate them About the Cons of Low-budget Preferences:
5. Adjust Your Pricing when Necessary:
Once you have discussed the entire project with the client, you might feel that lowering your price down on client’s request is justified. Do not come across as a desperate designer who is just looking for projects. Do not drop your prices from the fear of loosing a client. You are allowing a client to judge you if you instantly lower down your prices on client’s request. So, lower them only if it is necessary and justified. Compromise on a few situations and give the best you can. If you are adjusting the price as per their budget, the amount of time you would be spending on the project should be adjusted as well.
These tips can definitely help a designer in convincing a client of the quoted prices. You will not only get the desired pricing but, you will increase your clientele in a good way.
About The Author
What’s up, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that’s genuinely
excellent, keep up writing.
interesting article specially when we dealing with international clients. thanks for this informative post