Just had a prospect ask for a full brand strategy, website copy, and email sequence for $500. I froze and said I'd think about it. How do you respond when someone wants premium work at bargain prices without sounding arrogant or desperate?

I used to explain my process and justify my rates. Now I just say no thanks and move on. The ones who argue about price are always the ones who need the most hand-holding after they pay. Not worth the energy

I send a one-page scope document showing what $500 actually buys versus what they asked for. Most people genuinely do not know what goes into the work. Education converts better than defense

I had this exact situation last month. I offered a $500 audit instead of the full package. They got value, I got paid, and two weeks later they came back for the full project at full price. Sometimes the smaller offer is the door opener.

Great thread. I think the key is knowing your floor before the conversation starts. If $500 is below your minimum, the answer is automatic. The stress comes from deciding in the moment instead of deciding beforehand.

Having done some freelance work setting up websites for people, you'd be surprised by the amount of people that want things done for as little as possible. I had someone ask to set up a a WordPress powered site from scratch for $50. That would easily be 5+ hours worth of work for me. I make a point to tell people I do not do anything for less than $15 an hour and if it requires any kind of custom work, it is $25 an hour.

First $10K month felt like I made it. Then I realized $10K is just the beginning. The real flex is $10K with 20 hours worked.

My friend discount used to be 50%. Now it's 10%. Real friends pay. Fake friends disappear. Simple filter.

I used to explain why their budget was unrealistic. Now I just say my minimum is $2,500 and move on. Explaining is negotiating with yourself.

Had a prospect send me a ten-page scope and say we have $500. I sent back a one-page scope for $500. They were offended. I was honest.

The everything for $500 clients are usually testing the market. They don't expect yes. They expect negotiation. I usually dont deal with low ballers or people like that, because if they are cheap now, they dont get better in the future, I find they will always haggle you. And worse yet, the cheap clients are usually the neediest and have the highest expectations for the little amount they paid haha

I now offer a $500 audit instead of the full project. Half the time they upgrade after seeing the value. The other half, I made $500 for two hours.

My best response to low budgets I can refer you to someone starting out who fits that range. Professional. Helpful. Boundary maintained.