What do you do when your client does not realize your worth?

angie828 Level X³

December 6, 2018, 9:05 pm

34

Write the reason you're deleting this FAQ

What do you do when your client does not realize your worth?

I have written many articles before and do have a passion for it. I had one client several years ago that just did not see my value as a writer. He wanted to use me for little or nothing. First off, I accepted him as a client during a slow period in my career. So since it was slow, I cut him a deal. I gave him a dirt cheap offer. And he kept coming around while I was slow. Which just gave me the money that I needed. However, within time, I started to pick up with my writing.

Now I felt bad for telling him that I wanted more money because he did help me during a rough spell. And his articles that he was having me write were easy to do. It was in the health niche, so I knew quite a bit and if I did not, then I did not mind researching because I am a health geek. So when he placed an order with me and expected it right away, I had to tell him that I was busy with other clients but I would be sure to get to it when I had the time. He was like can you please just put my order up top? I really need it.

Yes, I know that you need it. But so do the other clients that are paying me several times as much to do it. I would not move his work up to the top, as I just did not feel right in doing that. Would you have moved it to the top or would you have done the same as I did?

Comments

Please login or sign up to leave a comment

Join

JBeleren

JBeleren

I would not have bumped his order up too. In situations like this it is important to give a clear and concise explanation of what you can do for him and when you can deliver his order. Make the client understand that his request would be unfair to the other clients, you can give him options and even refer him to a friend of yours if you know one, if he really is in a hurry. If he still chooses to wait for your service then make sure to have an open line of communication and update him from time to time.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

amelia88

amelia88

I think this happens in just about every industry where someone doesn't realize your true value. As long as I wasn't being treated poorly as such, then I think I'd just try and get on with the job. If I was being treated poorly though, I'd be out of there as fast as I could.

I can handle someone not realizing what I'm worth, I can't tolerate being spoken to poorly.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

esteban123

esteban123

I think that it is very important to talk to our clients during the first phase of the deal so that there will be no miscommunication or misunderstanding that would happen in both parties. I think we should explain fully to our clients if there will be some time that we cannot give immediately what they are asking for us because of having several clients that we are dealing with. It is a simple way of making our clients at ease and feel comfortable working with us without no doubt and hesitation.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Wenkx03

Wenkx03

Exactly. Dont make so much promises. Sometimes being honest will do. Make deals that you can accomplish. Broken promises sometimes lead to broken trust.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

theresajane

theresajane

I agree with you. Sometimes, the truth will always be your weapon. You an your clients should have a clear view of the business that you are doing with each other, because if not, problems will arise later on.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Enyi

Enyi

This is humans for you. We treat one another with disdain when they are yet to be up there or better with their task but run after them when they become very good. I will do what you just did too.i wouldn't bump this work at all but will be very cordial.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

knnon

knnon

As with all business, writing articles is a "first come first serve" basis as well. Whoever hired your service first should be your main priority. Knowing you have other work to finish and him asking you to move up his work isn't really a request I can put up with. I always like finishing the job that I'm currently doing and I don't want to start on another as it will only ruin my momentum on current projects. You should just explain it to him in a nice way that you can't do it. If he insists tell him you apologize but you really can't accommodate his request.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

ajahcuizon

ajahcuizon

I agree. You cannot just work into a new a new order just because your customer asked you for it. Unless, he will add up some amount because of rushing his order. it may ruin your momentum or flow of ideas on the current order you are working on. It is important to finish first what you started first.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

knnon

knnon

Now I'm wondering what if the client pays extra to get his work finished first. What would be the best course of action if that were to happen?
Personally I'll turn it down, I know some will say it will have a bad effect on my reputation. But I think it's more important to think about the majority compared to just one person who wants his order here and now.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Wenkx03

Wenkx03

I agree. I think that it also may affect to your other appointments and work. So better try to finish one before starting another.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

burgosmichael24

burgosmichael24

There must be a good seller-buyer relationship to do a good business. You must get rid of that kind of clients that doesn't see your worth or else they will ruin your career. Seller or freelancer doesn't deserve that kind of clients.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Jeane

Jeane

A writer needs to know what their work is worth and charge for their service accordingly. That actually is one of the reasons I left upwork.

Most clients over there want to pay writers less than $5 bucks for articles which need you to do much research before you write them. While yes one must at times be forced to work for the lowest rates, when you gain nothing from it that would be the right time to find clients who'll pay better for your services elsewhere.

IMO a writer stands to earn more if they are confident enough to demand better payment for their work. Doubt your ability and level of skill, you'll be stuck doing "slave labor" on some content mill.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

jaymish3

jaymish3

If they pay good money you continue to work for them until you get tired. Its not important for a client to see your worth, just do good work and continue and be polite. In this case I consider it the authors fault. If he takes work he should be able to deliver it when the clients wants it. If he can't he should not take the order. If you feel that the client expects too much from you, just don't take the order. Tell the client politely you can't do it. You can offer to find him another freelancer if you know anyone else that can do this.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

ajahcuizon

ajahcuizon

If I were you, I will use the "first come, first serve" basis. On that way, you don't have to feel guilty for not putting his order on top. But, you should still thank him as he was there ever since you are just starting and it seems that he is one of your loyal customers who kept on purchasing your works. That means that he appreciate your worth, it's just that, you should talk to him about the amount you want to add for your work. I believe that if he really appreciate your work, he will accept it and still patronize your services.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Jelineex

Jelineex

I think it's always best to talk to your client if you felt you are mistreated. It is better to be straightforward in a respectful manner. This will give awareness to a person's wrong attitude. This is also important to improve a good working relationship with your client.. Sometimes, working with things you don't like will show in any of your performance. i am sure that this will not make you happy.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Alania

Alania

You know the saying, that a customer always right? A lie.
Obviously, you both can have a common consensus, but if not then just let each other go.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

jpk0007

jpk0007

Well i dont think that you were wrong when you refused to complete his work before other clients. If i was in your place i would have eventually stopped working for him. The fact is that even if he gave you work when you needed money, he did offer you less pay for your work. In other words he took advantage of your vulnerability at that time.So there is no point in feeling guilty for refusing work to someone who only wants to save his own money and make you work for a meagre amount.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

NerdIndeed

NerdIndeed

Do what you think is best for your career. I'm sure you feel bad because you think somehow he helped you get to where you are today. But try to also look at it from the other end of the stick, you also helped him get to where he is today. Call it quits.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Franzel2oo

Franzel2oo

I would have done same as you did. Taking his work always at a small price is a gift enough if you feel you owe him appreciation for the slow days. He should understand that you do this for a living and as such, you must meet deadlines to get paid. If he won't understand, then he should find someone else. My guess is, he keeps coming to you because he has seen how good you are at what you do. Keep at it and stay pro.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Corzhens

Corzhens

I am lucky to have been warned about such writing gigs with ungrateful clients. For the real writers it is imperative to do a research in order to add information and make the article interesting. It is like putting your heart into your work because a real writer treats his work as a masterpiece. I understand that it is frustrating when someone would say that your writing is not good enough.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

luv2xacosta

luv2xacosta

Some clients are actually demanding, inconsiderate and selfish. I know how frustrating that could be and we know to our self that we have to be patient since they are our client and without them we cannot ear money. But still everything has it's limitation especially if you feel unjustified with how he/she treated you so I don't think it would not be bad if you can talk some sense to your client and him/her know how you feel about it.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Barida

Barida

I don't work for clients that will want me to put the works of the others in the trashcan and face his. I think everyone that I work for should be treated in the right way and this is one reason I have to take that path as well.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

davedaot04

davedaot04

Then straight up I would just find another client to be honest there's so many fishes in the sea my friend why stick to something that's degrading, that doesn't feel right? Right? Go find another client I'm pretty sure there's someone that will make you feel good and feel proud of yourself.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Barida

Barida

You took the right decision as there is need for us to make the others understand the need to take the basic decisions when we are talking of how we want them to improve. It is never easy at the beginning, but the truth remains that when we value every of our clients, they tend to love giving us work as well.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

If he's not paying then it's better not to talk to him anymore. At the end of the day it's a job, it's either you get paid or not. If not then it's best to part ways informing everyone you know what kind of a person he really is.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

theresajane

theresajane

Of course, nothing is free nowadays. They say that if you're good at something, don't do it for free. Gosh, I would be really frustrated if I would not be paid after working hard.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

emiaj55

emiaj55

I could understand why you would feel that way. But I think I would do the same thing. If we are in business, it is only understandable that we get what we could get. But priorities change when we change status and it is only natural to prioritize a higher paying project. But to put the former into consideration, I would assure to put aside time for his project as well. But that is of course after I am done with the projects that came before him.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

theresajane

theresajane

That's actually very terrible and hard to deal with especially if you are being careful not to break the relationship. But, do you thin it's worth it? Can you still do it while there are other opportunities out there? Try asking for a raise, and if he doesn't want to, then, it's better to part ways.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

jaymish3

jaymish3

I agree that sometimes you should be willing to defend your worth at all costs. Sometimes taking the money is not worth all the abuse or the loss of self esteem you are going to face. I would recommend that when dealing with clients you have some boundaries. Plan is such a way that you don't become despair ate for the money and walk away when you need to walk away. Never be that desperate as to take abuse. picking your self esteem off the floor is very expensive.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?