On Dirt
As a relatively new designer, I met with a client in order to create a logo and a series of brochures. At the meeting, the clients told me that eventually they’d want me to create their website. Being a newbie and wanting to nab the client, I lowballed the cost for the branding so that I could get the website. After sending a proposal for the site, they told me that it wasn’t in their budget at the time, but that I would definitely design it eventually.
Over time, I was asked to do other assignments for their business. They expected me to do it at the same rate that I had initially proposed. I delivered good designs in a timely fashion and dirt cheap. They were always happy with my work, which is why they kept coming back to me.
Fast-forward a year later, the client started making noise about getting a new website. As per their request, I sent a revised proposal for the website and was assured by the manager that I would definitely design their website, as they loved my work.
After a few weeks of not hearing from them, I inquired. I was told by the administrative assistant (and daughter of the managers) that she would be designing the website instead. Moral of the story? You price yourself like dirt, you’ll be treated like it.
