Comments on: How to Turn a Low Paying Client into a High Paying Client

By: Why You Shouldn’t Ask for a Raise | Freelance Writing Jobs

Why You Shouldn’t Ask for a Raise | Freelance Writing Jobs — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:34:17 +0000

[...] you’re supposed to do doesn’t qualify you for a rate increase. If you’re going to ask for more money, make sure you have good reason to ask for it and proof that you deserve [...]

By: Christine Whitmarsh

Christine Whitmarsh — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:45:00 +0000

This is a great blog and I agree with the point about start-up companies having the potential to grow. Case in point, one of my clients, an IT firm, started his company around the same time I started mine. The first thing he hired me to write was his elevator speech for networking events. Things progressed to the point where I wrote ALL of his materials – website, letters, brochures, press releases, etc. Here is his testimonial which I think also supports what Deborah is saying:

“Christine Ink has provided System Resolutions, Inc. with Sales and Marketing written content that has been instrumental in growing my business 30% a year, every year since 2005. Our hat off to a job exceptionally done!”

-Kennith G Armour
Systems Resolutions, Inc.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:18:53 +0000

Make your client feel as if you can’t get along without him. –> Don’t you mean make him feel as if he can’t get along with YOU? Or am I misunderstanding?

That brings up another point… the “small guys” want to feel like a big guy. When you’re working with him, make him feel as if he is your most important client. Nothing else matters. Give him your all. (Within reason–clients who call at 6 AM or midnight have issues and should be dealt with). When he becomes big, he will remember you.

What would you recommend as a *starting point* for a raise? (I know it’s tough to talk specifics.) I usually try for about 10 percent, sometimes going as high as 15 or 20.

By: Jodee

Jodee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:55:13 +0000

@ Wombat: You just got a magazine that usually doesn’t pay writers to pay you! Give yourself a big pat on the back, write a great piece and use this experience to propel you to the next great gig. It’s all good!

By: wombat

wombat — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:41:09 +0000

This is very timely for me… I just got an assignment that I WAY underbid on (I could tell because of how immediately the editor agreed to my price!) In fact the magazine doesn’t usually pay writers at all, so I’m telling myself – better to make myself useful at what seems like a reasonable price now, so I’m more likely to get future assignments – get them used to actually paying me, and ask for more money later. Right? (I’m still kicking myself about not asking for more, of course, but how are you supposed to judge when their usual pay rate is zero?)

By: Recommended Reading: July 15, 2008 « Writer Friend Jen

Recommended Reading: July 15, 2008 « Writer Friend Jen — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:02:26 +0000

[...] How to Turn a Low Paying Client into a High Paying Client at Freelance Writing Jobs [...]

By: Ann G.

Ann G. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:22:23 +0000

@Deb – I have every intention on turning him down now. As soon as the words – quantity not quality – came out, I knew that it was a pointless job. Those are the people who don’t even like paying a dollar an article usually.

By: Marijke

Marijke — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:14:56 +0000

You’re right and the key is to really look at all angles of the project or client before agreeing or disagreeing to do the work.

I can command an extremely good hourly rate and yet – much to the disgust of some colleagues – I will take low paying jobs from time to time because I weighed the pros and cons and the pros win out.

For example, I do take on a certain number of start up companies. I’ll discuss business plans, ideas on where the potential client thinks he or she is going and so on. I can’t say I’ve not been burned, I have, but I’ve also done quite well with a start up. The trick is going in with your eyes open and with the knowledge that it may not work out the way you wanted it to.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:07:10 +0000

@ Ann – It’s my experience that those who aren’t looking for quality probably aren’t looking for a long term relationship with good writes and thus won’t be paying you a whole lot in the future either. It’s silly to not want quality.

By: Ann G.

Ann G. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:02:09 +0000

The timing on this is funny. I was just approached by a guy looking for articles and he actually told me: “Right now I’m looking for quantity over quality and therefore must pay writers accordingly.”