It’s just a question of price

Comments

9 responses to “It’s just a question of price”

1. 

   Yazmin @ YazminMedia

   April 16, 2012

   It’s a hard lesson to quote what you’re worth. You have to really believe that and I know for my part, I tend to waver at times.

   However, a simple reminder for me is those times when I don’t quote what I’m worth. Almost always, it could literally be a guarantee, I end up resenting the job I took, because the client doesn’t understand how much my time and experience is worth and begins to demand more than they are already getting at what I consider a discounted price. Those memories of bad client experiences always give me the reality check I need and the “umph” to stand my ground and quote what I am worth.

   I’m not providing a product. I’m providing a solution… a solution that will save and potentially earn you money in the long run. That is what you are providing and that is what you have to get across to your clients.

   If the potential client doesn’t see your worth, you really don’t want them anyhow. Desperateness and self-devaluation are bad bed fellows and can really mess with your brain and self-worth!

   Stay strong, my friend!

   Reply
   1. 

      Libby

      April 25, 2012

      Thanks Yazmin for this awesome insight. I knew you would understand since we do fairly similar work. This was the encouragement I needed to not back down!

      Reply
2. 

   gudy herder

   April 25, 2012

   Dear libby, I have recently said good-bye to a long term client bc he wanted to dump the price of my services again and we have been discussing that for a long time. So, despite doubting, I decided not to work for him anymore. And I feel much better now. Afterwards another client came up and tried exactly the same, I did not go into the “let´s discount game” either and he finally understood. And as a result, I have gained new clients bc my negotiations skills are getting much better when it comes to the value of my service (I am an Interior Stylist). A very wise business men told me recently “you get what you negotiate in life” and that is very true. I believe any business should be a win-win, so your client is having a benefit and you, too. And if you believe your service is worth 3381 USD, go for it! xx Gudy

   Reply
   1. 

      Libby

      April 26, 2012

      Dear Gudy, thanks so much for taking the time out to share your experience. It’s really helpful to me to know that I’m not alone because sometimes I second guess myself.

      Reply
3. 

   Brandi

   May 10, 2012

   First, I’ve got to say a BIG thank you for the shout out about my little ebook! You’re right, I don’t give you a number to focus on because there’s just no one good number to cover every discipline because there are so many factors – how fast someone works, their skill level, their experience, their supply/materials cost, etc.

   Also, I felt like the minute I wrote down a number, it’d be obsolete and out of date.

   But in YOUR case, as a graphic/web designer, I think the issue isn’t so much about competing with someone who is willing to work for $3.67 an hour; it’s that people don’t understand what goes into a graphic or web design. The problem you face isn’t the people out there vastly underselling themselves – it’s that the general buying audience as a whole doesn’t quite understand what you do, why it’s important, and why it should cost more than what some people charge.

   The people who are willing to buy a cheaper design aren’t going to be your target audience, at least not at this stage of the game. They may be buying a cheaper or premade design because that’s all they can afford right now… but as time goes on, I’ve found that the people motivated by smaller budgets may eventually move past a “what I can afford right now” mentality onto a “this is an investment” train of thought. These are the people you want to educate about what you do; get them thinking now, and let it sink in. Then, when they are ready, you might have some new converts and customers.

   Now, those motivated by cost will always choose cheap over investments. You aren’t going to win them over because they will never see anything but the price first. These types of buyers aren’t your customer, and they may never be. And like Yazmin said up above, taking people who don’t understand that your work is worth the price will cause resentment all around.

   And lastly, I’ll leave you with a quote from Danielle LaPorte’s new hardcover, The Firestarter Sessions (which also has an awesome section on money, in addition to a whole lot of excellent information): “It costs what it costs.” If you’ve worked out the numbers, then a custom design by Libby costs what it costs.

   In the mean time, maybe you could do a few posts about what a graphic/web designer does? Little behind-the-scenes looks are not only fascinating, but illuminating and educational. Even seeing an example of a graphic designer’s thought process can really open minds, I think, and teach people that:

   a) good design takes time,
   b) good graphic design can be painstaking work,
   c) good design is important, and,
   d) you truly get what you pay for.

   Reply
   1. 

      Libby

      May 11, 2012

      Miss Brandi thank you for your insight on this topic. I know it’s close to your heart and I’m thankful that you offered up your expertise and smarts in the form of your e-book, and for free! I think your words were just the fuel I needed for a recent transaction. In web development people often think ‘well while your in there’ can you change x, y and z. It felt so good to go back and say we’ll I can change x because you’ve paid me to do that but y and z will be extra work and therefore extra money. It’s liberating.

      Reply
4. 

   Roni J.

   May 11, 2012

   I was afraid to leave a comment at first, because I know absolutely nothing about graphic design. My expertise comes to putting paint to canvas, and anything of the 2D visual sort.

   After reading the post and all the comments, I realized that I have the exact same problem as an artist when it comes to pricing. People always give me a hard time about if my craft is really a job. Are my paintings really worth that much money? I get questions like “Why pay for that, if I can make it myself?” and “Isn’t that a lot for a little bit of time?”

   It’s frustrating considering that making art is a job. It takes valuable time and it takes even more courage and thought to put it out in the world (especially online!) I have repeatedly had to tell people that each painting, sketchbook, or drawing you see did take hours. It took technique, craftmanship, and passion. All that put together created this one of kind, original piece of artwork. If that isn’t worth the money then what is? It’s more than that cup of Starbucks coffee you are drinking, or that ESPN cable package you bought! If you ask me, all this work is priceless because no one will love it and remember the time and energy I put into it!

   I agree with Brandi’s quote “you truly get what you pay for”- Of course, people who believe this are the people that buy my art, and continue to support my efforts. All that money goes right back into buying more art supplies and creating more beautiful, handmade things for the world. I think it’s worth every penny.

   Reply
   1. 

      Libby

      May 11, 2012

      Hey Roni! Thanks for taking the time out to comment I really appreciate your insight. Not to mention, you are so right! As an art school graduate I know what goes into paintings, although it wasn’t my major. I used to laugh at people who, when faced with e.g. a Mark Rothko or even Joan Miro artwork saying exactly that ‘I could do that’. My reply was always – ‘but you didn’t’. And now I’m off to check out your work!

      Reply
5. 

   misssrobin

   May 20, 2012

   I have nothing to contribute except my best wishes for success as you proceed on this adventure!

   Reply