Through out my years as a freelance designer I have heard many things from clients in order to get a good price. Wether it is more future work or that it should only take me a minimal amount of hours etc. etc. But today I will not be going over those being that freelance designers hear that every day and will continue to as long as their are clients out there trying to get a mansion for the price of a tent. It is our job as designers to educate those clients.

Here is my list to the top 5 things a designer should never say to a client, they are in no particular order and feel free to add on to this.

1. Never tell a client a project will take you less time than what it will really take you. No matter how bad you want to land the project, it is important to establish a relationship with a client. After all you shouldn’t be after the project but after the client. A project is a one time deal and a client in the other hand is forever and will bring many projects.

2. Never tell them their idea is a great idea if you don’t really feel that way. Instead suggest changes that will “enhance” their idea. Sure you will always run into those stubborn clients that are set on their vision and won’t listen to your suggestion but atleast you tried right?

3. Do not offer your clients services that you have no experience or knowledge with. You will not be able to fulfill the clients expectations if you’re ever able to get it off the ground to begin with. Ultimately ruining your credibility and reputation.

4. It is good to compete for a project but lowering your prices to almost nothing is not only hurting you but hurting the entire design field. Once upon a time logos were actually worth something now you see craigslist ads requesting a logo design for $20 dollars all thanks to the help of these particular designers.

5. Last but not least. Never work for free with the promise of future work UNLESS you are building your portfolio. I see this so often and don’t understand why designers agree to something like this. This is a career and a fulltime job. You don’t go to the gas station and tell them if they fill it up you promise to come back. That’s just bad business.

Well these are my top 5 can’t wait to hear what other colleagues have to add to this.

See you next time
-Jay

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P.S 

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