Debate: Itemized vs flat-rate proposals for web design?

I've been going back and forth on this for a few months now. My last three proposals to small businesses in Greenville were all flat-rate packages, and I landed two of them. But the one I lost asked for a breakdown, and the client said my competitor's itemized list felt more 'honest.' I'm leaning toward flat-rate because it's simpler and faster to write up, but I also wonder if itemized gives people more confidence. Which format do you use, and have you seen a difference in who actually signs?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylor.brooke18d ago

Ugh that's a tough spot, really feel you on that.

the_john18d agoTop Commenter

Yeah exactly, you said "tough spot" and that's the perfect way to put it. @taylor.brooke I think that's what makes it so hard, knowing you're stuck either way and just gotta pick the least bad option.

the_faith17d ago

Ugh that's a tough spot" really nails it. Being stuck between two bad choices just drains everything out of you. You start second guessing everything, wondering if you're making a mistake no matter what you pick. The worst part is when you finally choose something and then spend days wondering if the other option would have been better. Its like being between a rock and a hard place and someone tells you to just pick one already. Honestly sometimes the only way out is to just flip a coin and commit no regrets.