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?

3 comments

3 Comments

nancyd851mo 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.

finleythomas1mo 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.

the_brooke1mo 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.