Sevenzest

Babble

6 April 05

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Two, I said two months gone

Shivers down my spine – I can’t believe it has been 2 months since I have recorded my thoughts! What’s been happening lately… last week I had the first complaint from my client about my prices. I kind of brewed on it. Part of me wanted to point out if it weren’t for the millions of changes the time involved wouldn’t have been that great. TIME = MONEY. I am a business, and that time is valuable to me- thank you very much. I attached a brief description of what I said to back-up myself. See how I begin and end the letter in saying a very positive aspect of working with the client. I also included time that I estimate to have been free of charge, especially consultation through the phone and in person.

In reply to your email regarding this project’s costs. I found that it was a delight to work with you – in all the changes we had, I did try and cover what you had liked from the two meetings I had with you. If it appeared I was ‘hiding’ something from you it was certainly not the case, but I do agree that I would have to be happy with a concept before I show you. I know it is a pain that it took time, and that time = money. I always say to my clients what my hourly charge is, and please trust that I always tried to do it in the fastest manner to save you time. There was in total about $150 discount of your bill, time that I did not put in.

While I can justify my time spent on the project, it may not make any difference because of the fact you may not have included this into your budget. Many people in business who see the value of a good marketing (and design is a very important part of it) will definately see the rewards. In comparison my rates are lower than most designers (others start from $80 upwards), and there was no way that I wanted to do a ‘quick job’ for you if it meant a decline in quality.

I have been trained in my profession, (I have a bachelors degree), and I have had more than 4 years of experience. I was shocked as you are the first to complain about my service. I felt that I was of good service to you, and that I was able to give you advice on a few things with saving costs with your new website etc. There may be another way I work projects with you: we set a budget and work with our available resources.

Because you are my client, I will listen to what you said today and try to communicate more in the beginning, and perhaps write a full-intention brief so we can save time and money for your business in future.