English: Julius Henry “Groucho” Marx, cropped from group photo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Recently a prospect to whom I had quoted a fee in an email replied to that email after four months. She asked if I was still prepared to act for her. Naturally I said yes, and assumed she had accepted my quote. I sent her the usual “terms and conditions” email.
In reply she said that although I had the knowledge and expertise she required, actually she had obtained some other quotes. She effectively asked me to cut my fee in half.
Clearly she did not value me despite her comment and did not appreciate my experience, the cost of my ongoing training, my business overheads etc. Mainly though, she did not see value in me; only in saving money. Frankly, if she can get a process done for half my price, I fear for her as anyone in my field of work who was half decent could not possibly be relied upon if charging such a low fee. Too many corners would be cut. Instead of saving money, she may waste money.
I didn’t come here to be insulted, but I have got the tee shirt, so am not too upset. Very likely I was dealing with Rufus T Firefly’s daughter. She will land herself in the soup with HMRC; maybe Duck Soup.
The moral: know your value and charge for it. Clients worth having will appreciate the work you do and will be happy to pay for the comfort you give them.
