Bit o' backstory: Imma web designer! I work at home so I can watch our two daughters, who are 1 and 3, while my husband works out of the home.
The rules! ZHEY DO NOTHINK
Client: Okay so, let's get started on the website....I want it black, with lots of color.
Seraph: Wait...so...a colorful website?
Client: No, silly! LOL...its easy, a black website with lots of colors!
Seraph:
Not THIS again!
Prospective Client: So how much would it be for a website with a really cool flash header, and I want a chat room, autoupdating stats on the left....and oh, a forum!
Seraph: Well, first off, I don't really do flash, but <gives estimate>
PC: WHAAAT?! You're a ***** ripoff! I could get some Chinese dude to do it for me for $25!
...Wait, I think I know you.
There's a Communication Problem Here...
Client: So I can buy this from you for $40, right?
Seraph: No, sorry, that is $55.
Client: Ok, sending you the $40 right now...
Seraph: Sure, and you won't get the files until I get the other $15
Client: But you said it was only $40!!!!!
Seraph: Oh, really now? Did I? Would you care to show me where?
Client: Ok so you didn't but I was hoping if I kept saying it, you'd go for it.....
Seraph: And what have we learned from this?
Client: .....
Lesson Learned. Again. Also, you just got PWNT!!!
Seriously, folks...when a friend comes to your business, treat them like just another client. You HAVE to. Basically, I did a design for a friend, and waived the half deposit I usually accept because he said he'd pay me right after, when he got his paycheck.
As you can guess, I got burnt. He wouldn't answer IMs, emails, phone calls...NOTHING. So...today I played a little rough. Yes, it might've been a bit below the belt....but I have bills to pay.
I called his mother.
Not twenty minutes later,
Friend: "AGH I'm so soo so so sorry, please don't do that again, I get paid on Thursday, I'll send you the money then!"
Seraph: "Okay dude, I'll get ahold of you then. Lovely chat with your mom too....and don't make me call her again. "
Friend: "yes ma'am! Sorry ma'am! JUST DON'T CALL HER AGAIN for the love of god...."
Consider yourself pwnt, my friend!
....Also I have now changed my policy to full deposits, upfront, for friends. :P
The rules! ZHEY DO NOTHINK
Client: Okay so, let's get started on the website....I want it black, with lots of color.
Seraph: Wait...so...a colorful website?
Client: No, silly! LOL...its easy, a black website with lots of colors!
Seraph:
Not THIS again!
Prospective Client: So how much would it be for a website with a really cool flash header, and I want a chat room, autoupdating stats on the left....and oh, a forum!
Seraph: Well, first off, I don't really do flash, but <gives estimate>
PC: WHAAAT?! You're a ***** ripoff! I could get some Chinese dude to do it for me for $25!
...Wait, I think I know you.
There's a Communication Problem Here...
Client: So I can buy this from you for $40, right?
Seraph: No, sorry, that is $55.
Client: Ok, sending you the $40 right now...
Seraph: Sure, and you won't get the files until I get the other $15
Client: But you said it was only $40!!!!!
Seraph: Oh, really now? Did I? Would you care to show me where?
Client: Ok so you didn't but I was hoping if I kept saying it, you'd go for it.....
Seraph: And what have we learned from this?
Client: .....
Lesson Learned. Again. Also, you just got PWNT!!!
Seriously, folks...when a friend comes to your business, treat them like just another client. You HAVE to. Basically, I did a design for a friend, and waived the half deposit I usually accept because he said he'd pay me right after, when he got his paycheck.
As you can guess, I got burnt. He wouldn't answer IMs, emails, phone calls...NOTHING. So...today I played a little rough. Yes, it might've been a bit below the belt....but I have bills to pay.
I called his mother.
Not twenty minutes later,
Friend: "AGH I'm so soo so so sorry, please don't do that again, I get paid on Thursday, I'll send you the money then!"
Seraph: "Okay dude, I'll get ahold of you then. Lovely chat with your mom too....and don't make me call her again. "
Friend: "yes ma'am! Sorry ma'am! JUST DON'T CALL HER AGAIN for the love of god...."
Consider yourself pwnt, my friend!
....Also I have now changed my policy to full deposits, upfront, for friends. :P
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