One-time, Low, Low, Introductory Rate
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One-time, low, low introductory rate! By Pamela White
Each week day brings a pack of mail from banks offering me and
mine low introductory rates that are meant to pull us in and
commit ourselves, right before the rates go up.
Writers face similar 'bait and switch' techniques when applying
for writing opportunities. Last month I was contacted by a
website owner who was looking for a writer experienced in
producing e-zines. I submitted samples, wrote several emails,
and had two evenings of instant messaging before she agreed to
try me on, but with one caveat. She offered me a one-time, low,
low introductory rate.
Only the rate wasn't in my favor.
She asked me to write only four short articles and said that she
would start with that low, low rate for me. After I had proven
my worth, she would double that rate for the second issues, then
bring it up to fair market for the third.
I researched and wrote, answered several emails, and even
rewrote some of her own writings for her. She asked for a list
of ideas for the next three issues. I complied with a list of 30
ideas. Her answering email said, "Is this all?"
If any of this sounds familiar, thanks for the sympathy. If it
doesn't, then keep reading.
To avoid getting caught up in these unsatisfactory offers, heed
the warning signs:
Complains about bad luck with other freelancers. Does your new
client whine about his dissatisfaction with everyone he has
hired? Don't think you will be the one who satisfies him with
your stellar charm and flowing prose.
Offers to double or triple the initial fee IF your best effort
suits. Never happens because that's part of the con. You can
give your best and your client will find so many problems with
it that your first assignment will be your last.
States "If I had the time I'd write it myself." If samples of
her work has your third grader giggling over the spelling and
grammatical errors, walk away. This is the person who will be
editing your work?
Demands 24-hour availability. Phone calls at 2 a.m., instant
messages every 15 minutes, dozens of emails daily. Your client
might even ask you to quit a project or job. Mine did after she
found out I worked part time. "You work for me now," she said,
as if the $60 a month would buy me a new lifestyle.
Avoids giving direction. "Give me your best ideas," your client
demands. His response to your proposal? "Hmm, that's not what I
want." Unless your client is a three-year old or your
mother-in-law, you don't have to take it. Besides, this gives
your client the perfect reason not to pay...after you've done
the work. You just never gave him what he had in mind.
Continues to advertise for a writer. On your trips around the
internet looking for more gigs you keep running into her ad for
a writer. Getting suspicious yet? Or do you tell yourself she
just hasn't had time to remove the ads?
Keeps his number secret but must know your phone number,
address, cell number and IM moniker, and the five people you
think you'll meet in heaven. Beware the client who states that
he won't work with squirrelly freelancers who won't give up the
goods in their initial contact. After two weeks, you realize
that you still don't know your client's last name or how to
contact him if the email doesn't work.
Lies. Different stories about the same situation should set off
alarms. Either it's all made up or this client has three or four
writers on the line and can't tell which person knows which
tidbit.
On the surface, it seems simple to avoid these bad deals but
freelance writers who are starting out, or starting up a full
time business, find a way to ignore warning signs or allow the
triumph of hope over experience to guide their decisions. After
all, how many times do we find the perfect client? Maybe this
guy isn't as bad as he seems. Right?
The truth is that these cheap clients take advantage of writers
and often won't pay until the writer has battled hard for that
small check. Falling for the low, low introductory rate costs
you time, won't get you a reference, and can damage your
self-respect.
In my case, my client's volley of insults about my work and my
lack of professionalism lost much of its sting when she did two
things. The first was the email that told me she couldn't use me
again, but could I write two more articles, for no extra money,
so she could have some articles saved for the next issue.
Second, her professional business email in which she fired me
included the sentences (I'm not kidding) "U R not a writer. You
should read your work B4 you sent it."
Develop your instincts. Avoid potential clients who hold out the
carrot of future cash if you'll start working for free or nearly
free. It won't work out.