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Free upfront work requests: red flag or just clients being careful?
I've had new clients ask for free samples right away. Some folks say it's a smart way to judge quality, but I feel it's a hint they might not pay later. Do you think free work asks are a bad sign or no big deal?
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blake_owens7mo ago
Doubt @nguyen.elizabeth's take, free work asks aren't always that serious.
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aaronw597mo ago
Isn't there a middle ground here? I see @nguyen.elizabeth's point about red flags, but free work can show you're serious about helping. A small test project might build trust for a bigger paid job later. It's not always bad if both sides know what to expect from the start. Why not give it a shot when the ask is reasonable and quick? Have you ever landed a client this way?
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nguyen.elizabeth7mo ago
Ugh, big red flag. It sets a bad tone from the start. A real client with a budget will pay for a small, defined test project. Your portfolio should show your worth, not free labor. I'd just walk away.
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