I thought saying 'my rate is flexible' would get me more work

A client in Austin asked for a quote on a website project and I gave my usual line about being open to discussion. He came back with an offer 40% below my normal rate and said, 'You said you were flexible, so I figured we could start here.' That was the moment I realized I was just inviting lowball offers. Now I give one clear number first. Has anyone else found that being too open about price just hurts you?

2 comments

2 Comments

nancyd8515h ago

Oh wow, 40 percent? That's not being flexible, that's getting robbed. I had a guy ask for a "friends and family discount" on a full branding package after I said my prices could be talked about. It's like the second you show any wiggle room, some people just see a free pass to ask for the moon. You're totally right to just give one solid number now. Saves you from the bargain hunters right away.

finleythomas4h ago

Right? It makes you wonder if they even value the work. Giving a firm price sets the tone that your time and skill have real worth. It just filters out the wrong clients from the start.