A client in Denver told me my price was too low and it threw me off

I was giving a quote for a big pine removal last fall, and when I said $2,800, the guy just looked at me and said, 'You're not charging enough for that risk, man.' He explained he'd had a bad experience with a cheaper crew before. How do you handle it when a client basically tells you to raise your own rates?

3 comments

3 Comments

noahwood26d ago

That Denver client was basically giving you free market research. I'd ask him what price point would make him feel totally safe hiring you.

adam18626d ago

My buddy Mark had a client in Austin who did the same thing last year. They went back and forth for weeks about his video editing rates. Mark finally just asked, "What number on the invoice would let you sleep easy?" The guy said $1200 flat, which was actually more than Mark's first quote. They signed the contract that afternoon. Sometimes you just have to ask the direct question.

waderamirez25d ago

Hold on, that direct question is a huge gamble. You're basically handing the client the pen to write their own price. What if he said $500? Then you're stuck either walking away or working for way less. @noahwood's idea feels safer to me. Asking for a "safe" price point is still getting their input without giving up all your control. Mark got lucky in Austin, but in my experience, most clients will lowball you the second you open that door.