Hello Everyone,

 

As some of you I work freelance and this post regards my latest interaction with my returning client.

 

I started freelance last year and one of my first clients wanted quite custom site so I made it for probably three time less than web agency would charge him but that was fine, beginnings.

 

Year after the same client returns and want the same site's functionality for a different business but even more customised and with new design. I was even told what I should do: create new folder, copy the source code, rename/change few strings, few colours, and add three new quite custom pages (level of customisation I would say advanced) overall it shouldn't take more than one day I was told. Of course he wasn't ready to pay more than the last time. My jaw dropped. I didn't know if he wanted to insult me or make me laugh.

 

His argument is that I already have the source code so it wouldn't cost me that much time now. Never-mind the customisation and design changes. I am not trying to be a b**h but to value my time. Am I wrong?

 

The new cost is circa 50% higher than the last one but overall it is still a lot less then web agency would take for it.

 

How should I handle this?

 

bituneasy

Just to make it clear and what is kind of hilarious the copy-paste thing was instructed to me by my client. It wasn't my suggestion, who does that?

 

I know, the biggest sin of all underpricing... But I had to start somewhere and beginnings aren't great. Beside bit of justification why so cheap. He worked for himself and wasn't doing great, actually he was going under and there was potential in the website to increase his business so I was more focus on helping him out rather than making money... But now he is bit cheeky and his attitude, sorry to say, insulting.

 

Freelancers haven't you ever done a website out of charity? Be first to cast a stone.

 

@@rallport Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter. I have learned my lesson.

I'd just tell him/her that you've upped your rates. You're not obliged to do this work. I had a client come back to me a few months ago and I just told them that I don't freelance anymore, they asked me if I could do it in my free time. I said sure, but I will be wanting £40 per hour. I don't think it matters so much what you used to charge, any service is free to up it's prices at any time they deem necessary.

 

Of course it's good to set realistic prices from the outset but you're not under any obligation to take this work on are you?

Edited October 2, 201511 yr by rbrtsmith

Been there done this and still regretting it to this day as client has become a 'friend'! or so he likes to think. It's difficult and although you may be under no obligation, if you are anything like me then you will feel an underlying pressure to help out! I wish I could tell my client to F off in a nice professional manner of course but I end up saying ok no problem!!