Heard a client say 'I'll just find someone cheaper' when my quote hit $2k.

Made me think, do you stick to your rates or bend to keep the job? What's your line?

4 comments

4 Comments

That's kind of where I'm at now too, walking away feels cleaner than dealing with the headache later. But here's what I keep circling back to - how do you tell the difference between a client who's genuinely testing your price to see if there's wiggle room, versus one who's just going to be a nightmare from the start? I had one guy last month who pushed back on my rate but ended up being super easy to work with, so now I'm second guessing myself. What's the red flag that screams "run" versus just a normal negotiation?

simon_carr2mo ago

Stick to your rate, that client's always a problem.

pat_murray532mo ago

Oh man, simon_carr is right on the money. I've learned the hard way that giving an inch just makes them ask for a mile. I once tried to be nice and lower my rate for a "quick job," and it turned into a six-month nightmare of extra requests. Now I just sound like a broken record stating my price. It's less stressful, even if it means walking away sometimes.

brooket432mo ago

Remember when people used to haggle at flea markets? Feels a lot like that sometimes.