Should I design a free website sketch for a client?

October 21, 2009 - 7:36 am

I have a client from work who wants a website creating/designing.

He said that he wants a sketch before we negotiate a price, etc, but I’m stumped and don’t feel I should spend my time designing something when I’m not getting paid for the hours.

He has seen my portfolio and I’m currently employed in the same company as him as a Web Designer.

Would you give him a fixed price and that’s it or would you complete the sketch for free and show it to him and then give a price?

Thanks

I agree with you, if this is a client at work he/she should really know you by now are you a web designer/freelancer part time or is it separate. I wouldn’t do it myself in the long run you have a better chance of them changing their minds on you. Charge even $20 bucks if you know you can sketch quick then tell the person its nonrefundable and will be applied to the overall website you have designed therefore you both will benefit and you at least get a free lunch if all else fails.

I don’t know what it is today but some people don’t know how to do business your time is your time and the saying time is money is always a factor otherwise they will work you for free and that’s rude on their part I get a lot of it and know what to do probably 80% of people will do this to you.

5 Responses to “Should I design a free website sketch for a client?”

  1. sjy Says:

    I suppose the best way to view this is like a restaurant or any other service type of business. In a restuarant you would go in and eat first before you pay, i.e. receive service, and then they trust you to go and pay. There are exceptions and this may be one of them because the work is probably shown through emails etc.

    Do the work, but don’t show it to him when you’re finished, let him know its done and that you will give it to him once the money is received, or do it based on a deposit of the full price so that you can get some form of guaruntee.

    Or you can show it to him in a thumbnail size with watermarks over it etc.

    I would prefer the deposit option as that way you get SOME of the money before hand, thus it gives you security to go ahead with the job, then onces it compelted, ask for full payment, and then give the work to him. Also get him to sign a contract for added security.

    Otherwise I wouldnt’ trust him as clients should respect you as well for your policies.

    Goodluck
    References :

  2. Sleepy Says:

    if you’re good at something never do it for free
    References :

  3. Metal Says:

    Charge him an hourly wage for the sketch.
    References :

  4. mike Says:

    I agree with you, if this is a client at work he/she should really know you by now are you a web designer/freelancer part time or is it separate. I wouldn’t do it myself in the long run you have a better chance of them changing their minds on you. Charge even $20 bucks if you know you can sketch quick then tell the person its nonrefundable and will be applied to the overall website you have designed therefore you both will benefit and you at least get a free lunch if all else fails.

    I don’t know what it is today but some people don’t know how to do business your time is your time and the saying time is money is always a factor otherwise they will work you for free and that’s rude on their part I get a lot of it and know what to do probably 80% of people will do this to you.
    References :

  5. sylviana Says:

    Make A Free Website at Webstarts
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    References :
    http://www.webstarts.com/?aff=wowlook

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