Undoubtably, regardless of the service you provide, you’ll be faced with people who are looking for the least expensive option for whatever thing they need. And that’s okay. You can’t expect everyone that walks through the door to understand the value you provide, and be willing to pay for it. Those aren’t your customers (and if they are, we need to talk). It’s important to remember that what you do is valuable, and working for cheap is not an option.
Free or Not Free, That Is the Question
If you want to be charitable, don’t do it by discounting your services. Make it an intentional decision to do pro-bono work. Maybe your little sis needs a wedding invite design, or flowers from your flower shop. Or, maybe you wanna help a local nonprofit with their website. The point is, make it a conscious decision to help someone out. In the end, you’ll feel good about helping someone out, and they’ll value your work and refer you to all their friends. This can be a great dovetail in the more, paid, work. Win.
Work for Full Price
I wrote a post a couple of months ago about pricing your services based on value. Both you and your client should view your work as an investment to reach goals, not a cash-saving measure. This doesn’t mean you should charge a silly amount based on the trip you want to take to Tahiti. Rather, charge what you believe is the right amount for that client/project, and stick to it.
Don’t Work for Cheap
When you discount your services, there are a couple undesirable outcomes that result. One, you create a dysfunctional relationship with your client for future projects. Two, if they refer you to their friends, I guarantee they’ll be coming to you for a deal. Three, you lower the bar for your industry, and create an environment that doesn’t foster growth or ingenuity. Finally, and possibly most important, both you and your client won’t value the work you do as much as you should.
Have some thoughts? Comments? Please comment below.
Have a great weekend!
The post Work for Free or for Full Price, but Never for Cheap. appeared first on Morgan Branding.
