c/bargaining-board

I added a 'project kill fee' to my contract and a client actually agreed to it

Last month, I was drafting a contract for a 3 month website project. I read about kill fees online and decided to add a line saying if they canceled after week 2, I'd get 25% of the total fee. I was sure they'd push back. When we talked, the client just said 'that's fair, protects your time' and signed. I was shocked. I learned being clear about your time's value from the start sets the right tone. Has anyone else had a contract clause they thought would be a fight but wasn't?

Pro tip: I paid $150 for a contract review service before signing a big client.

The reviewer found a clause that would have let the client own my past work methods, not just the project deliverables. I got it changed before signing. Has anyone else used a similar service and was it worth the cost?

Update: My flat rate quote for a website redesign just blew up in my face

I gave a client in Tampa a $3,500 flat price for a new site, but they kept adding 'small' features after we signed... like a custom booking system. I had to go back and renegotiate the whole contract last week, which was a mess. How do you guys write your flat rate deals so this doesn't happen?

I finally stopped giving clients a single rate option

I kept losing projects when I'd quote $85 an hour, even though my work was solid. The shift happened when a prospect in Austin flat out said, 'I can't swing that, but I have a smaller budget for a stripped-down version.' Now I always present three clear tiers with different scopes and prices. How do you structure your proposals to keep the conversation going?

Got a weird request for a 'free sample' of my full project plan

A potential buyer at a networking event in Austin asked me to send my entire process doc 'to see if we vibe' before even discussing a rate. I told them my initial consult call is free but the plan itself is part of the paid service. Has anyone else had someone try to get your full methodology for free like that?

A small win: Client agreed to my contract terms WITHOUT a single edit.

My client kept asking for discounts until I showed them my breakdown.

Seeing the work itemized... they agreed to my full rate.

A missing line in my contract cost me weeks of extra work

I agreed to illustrate a children's book for a set price, but the contract didn't state how many characters were included. The author later requested five more animal drawings without extra pay. I had to either lose the client or eat the cost. Now, I itemize every element in the agreement to prevent this.

Mentioning my fees at the start saved me from payment mix-ups

I would wait to discuss costs until after outlining my projects, and it often caused confusion. Now, I bring up rates right away, and in my experience, it leads to smoother deals, your mileage may vary. When do you all introduce payment terms with new clients?

Warning: That project where we circled the rate for two months straight

Back in the day, I had a client who would reply to each email with one new tiny question about the price. It felt like we were stuck in a loop that never ended. Now I just say when I need an answer by and stick to it. Things get done way faster now. I do not miss those long waits at all.

Walking away from a big contract over a 3% raise clause

The client called it greedy, I called it smart business. You have to protect your income long-term.

My block's photographer messed up by not talking money before shooting

Always hash out your rate before you lift a finger, or you'll get stiffed.