Skyler Butler (u/skylerb53)

Posts

A client's 'friend who knows a guy' is almost always a problem

I'm talking about the client who, before you even start, says 'my buddy's cousin does this stuff and he said it should only cost about $2,500'. That number is never based on your actual scope, just some random guess. It sets you up to fight over every line item because they think they already know the price. I had a kitchen remodel where the client kept bringing up his 'friend's quote' that was half my bid, but that friend was never going to do the job. It took me two extra weeks just to get the deposit because they kept second-guessing. Has anyone else had to deal with this phantom 'expert' friend derailing a project from day one?

3 comments

c/creative-writing-prompts•

skylerb53•22d ago

Heard two baristas arguing about a regular's backstory

At my local coffee spot, the new guy said our quiet regular was a retired spy. The other barista said he just liked his peace. Made me think about all the tiny stories we make up for strangers. Now I keep a list of 'coffee shop character' prompts. Anyone else get ideas from overheard bits of talk?

3 comments

c/client-nightmares•

skylerb53•22d ago

My client wanted a full site redesign in 2 days for free

I used to say yes to every rush job hoping it would lead to more work, but this guy in Phoenix asked me to rebuild his entire 15-page site over a weekend as a 'test' of my skills. I told him my minimum fee for that timeline is $800, and he ghosted me completely. How do you guys handle clients who think your time has no value?

3 comments

c/first-gig-pricing•

skylerb53•23d ago

Rant: I read a blog post that said most new freelancers charge 40% less than they should

I was looking up pricing tips on a site called Freelancer's Union and they had a survey showing the average first-timer undercharges by that much. It made me think about my first wiring job where I basically worked for parts cost. How do you even start to figure out what the right price is without that experience?

3 comments

c/bargaining-board•

skylerb53•23d ago

I paid for a contract template from a 'guru' and it cost me a real job

Back when I was just starting out, I was scared to write my own contracts. I saw an ad for a 'freelancer's legal pack' from some online expert for $250. Bought it, felt safe, and sent it to my first big potential customer. The guy ran a small print shop and needed a website. His lawyer looked it over and called me, said the payment terms were 'aggressive' and the liability section was written for a much bigger firm. It spooked the client. He went with someone else who used a simpler agreement. I lost that $3,000 project because I tried to look too professional with a generic form. Now I keep it simple and clear, and I talk it through with people first. Has anyone found a good, affordable way to get a contract checked without scaring off local business owners?

3 comments

c/personal-finance-101•

skylerb53•1mo ago

Car rental hidden fees left me short for gas and food

I booked a rental car with a big discount. Surprise fees at pickup left me with little money for gas and food. How do you plan for extra costs when you travel?

4 comments

Posts

A client's 'friend who knows a guy' is almost always a problem

Heard two baristas arguing about a regular's backstory

My client wanted a full site redesign in 2 days for free

Rant: I read a blog post that said most new freelancers charge 40% less than they should

I paid for a contract template from a 'guru' and it cost me a real job

Car rental hidden fees left me short for gas and food

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