One of the absolute hardest thing any graphic designer, especially freelancers, has to deal with when establishing new clients and projects is setting a pricing scheme that works for both the designer and the client. Often times budgets are short, or prices are too harsh, leading to a lot of ill-will between the two parties. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be this way. With some choice pointers from us, as well as a willingness to be flexible when it comes to your money, you will quickly find yourself pleasing more clients from the get-go. Don’t think it’s possible? Let us show you how with the points we’ve listed out below.
- Be Willing to Work With the Clients Budget: The very first thing you need to be wiling to do is to understand the situation the client is in. If it’s a larger company, they’ve likely only been allotted so much money to give you for the designs you’ll produce. With this in mind, you’re going to want to remain flexible. Give them the leeway to say what they’re comfortable spending, and then calmly tell them what it will buy them. If the number is far too low, tell them that. However, if they think you’re too pricy, they’ll leave that instant. Instead, what you want to do is to give them alternatives. Tell them what you could do instead at that price range, and try your hardest to pitch it as the best option they’ve got. After all, it very likely is.
- Work Out a Working Schedule: Another great way to be flexible when it comes to your own payment is to space things out for the client. We all like to be paid in full right at the front, but sometimes it just isn’t possible. In situations like this, work with the client’s desires to create a system that appeals to them. This might mean taking half of what you’ve been promised on the front end. Or, it may mean a weekly salary with very specific goals outlined for each week. Either way, allowing yourself some wiggle room where payment method are concerned will save you a lot of face with the client, and will guarantee more return visits later. When in doubt, always simply ask the client how they would like to proceed. They’ll tell you in a heartbeat, we promise.