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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?
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nancyd854mo 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.
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finleythomas4mo 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.
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the_brooke4mo ago
Ugh yeah that's the worst! @nancyd85 hit the nail on the head about people seeing wiggle room as a free pass. It's actually wild how this same thing plays out everywhere, not just work stuff. Like when you tell a friend you're "flexible on dinner plans" and suddenly they got you driving 45 minutes to some obscure taco spot nobody voted for. Giving a clear number or a clear plan from the start just sets a boundary that keeps everyone from taking advantage. Saves you from the headache of explaining why 40 percent off isn't a negotiation, it's just you doing a favor.
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