PSA: I started charging a 'project start fee' after a string of bad estimates

For years, I gave free, detailed estimates for web design work. I'd spend 2-3 hours breaking down a project, only to have the person ghost me or use my plan to hire someone cheaper. Last quarter, I lost about 15 hours of unpaid work this way. So, I tried something new: a small $75 'project start fee' that gets applied to the total cost if we work together. I was sure it would scare people off. The first week, three people balked. But the next person who paid it was serious, and we signed a contract for a $3,000 site. It feels like it filters for commitment, but I worry it also turns away good clients on a tight budget. Has anyone else tested a similar gatekeeper fee, and what was your take?

3 comments

3 Comments

casey26811d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, it totally changes the dynamic. That fee makes the first conversation a real business meeting, not just a free info session. You're not just filtering out the unserious people, you're setting the tone for the whole project. They start off already invested, which usually means they respect your process more later on. The budget thing is real, but a client who can't handle a small start fee probably can't handle the full project cost either.

parker_hall511d ago

My buddy runs a small HVAC company and had the same problem with free home visits for quotes. He started a $50 trip charge, refunded with the job. He lost some calls but said the ones who paid were ready to book. Victor_nelson is right, it just filters out the people who aren't serious. Your $75 fee that goes toward the project is totally fair for that kind of work. The client who paid you showed they valued your time from the start.

victor_nelson11d ago

Honestly, that fee is doing exactly what it should. It screens out the tire-kickers who were wasting your time for free. The good clients who see your value won't blink at a small, credited fee to get started.