Having a hard time with a potential customer
By moonchild117
@moonchild117 (1987)
Philippines
August 5, 2016 1:22am CST
My main work involves writing for the web, and that includes website copywriting. So there was a former employer's friend who wanted to put up an e-commerce site for his products. My boss referred him to me and we got to talk on the phone a bit.
He told me that he wanted a few text and product descriptions. Okay. But since the site has to be done from scratch, I asked if he had a look that he wanted or if he could provide me a website that he wants as peg. He asked why I needed it when all he wants is to showcase his products on an online store.
Being a writer, it's important I know the correct tone and angle to use to ensure that visitors turn into buyers or consumers. Since he didn't give me any basis (he hasn't provided the product details until I send him a quotation for my services), I feel like I'm flying blind on this potential project.
Not only that: he didn't like that I charge per webpage (which I usually do) and wanted a package for the copy I'll be providing. But how can I charge right if I don't have any idea how the website will look like or how to angle the message.
Sorry for the long rant. Just had to let that out. Anyway, hope your weekend's turning out better than mine, LOL!
9 people like this
10 responses
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
12 Aug 16
@just4him The meeting pushed through, and it was evident that he doesn't know the process of making a website. Weird thing that he wants an e-commerce site but doesn't want to learn the ropes of the backend; he's leaving that part to the web developer, which he's also outsourcing. So I don't know.
He hasn't chosen a web developer though. I hope he does because I would have to meet that person so we can discuss more of the website creation.
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
9 Aug 16
We'll be meeting up tomorrow to discuss the kind of website he wants. Hopefully, he's open to learn the ins and outs of web development and design. Crossing my fingers for a stress-free meeting.
2 people like this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
6 Aug 16
Seems like it. That person doesn't know the process of website creation. Doesn't want to be taught how, based on how he responded to my requests for a peg/basis and inquiries on the number of pages and stuff.
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
11 Aug 16
@trivia79 Yes, but he's Chinese living here in the Philippines.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
5 Aug 16
Damn. I don't have the patience for that kind of person. I'll let that person pass and find another client instead lol!
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
5 Aug 16
I was so close to hanging up, actually. Haha! But well, I have my needs so I'd like to try if this works out. I'm going to give him a quotation on my service for this project in a while. Maybe he'll try finding another writer, LOL!
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
11 Aug 16
I got to meet him yesterday. He's given me the information I needed about his products and the audience he wants to sell them. The only challenge is that he has no idea on how he wants the website to look like and he hasn't talked to a web developer yet. For me to be able to do what's needed, I also need to discuss the project with the web developer. Hopefully I'd know who he is by next week.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
11 Aug 16
@moonchild117 Good luck then , my friend .
1 person likes this
@Jackalyn (7559)
• Oxford, England
5 Aug 16
Having written a few like this now I know where you are coming from. It can be very frustrating not to have enough information. I think I would have asked to see the products before taking on the work, but we learn by hindsight. I get the rant. I really do.
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
5 Aug 16
Thank you. It's like you just gave me a virtual hug. 
I also asked if he could provide me with a few materials on the products, but he said he wanted the quotation first. I'm so going to do some guesswork on a good rate. If he agrees on my rate, I'd ask a sit-down meeting with him and the web developer so we can work out a good design for his site.
I also asked if he could provide me with a few materials on the products, but he said he wanted the quotation first. I'm so going to do some guesswork on a good rate. If he agrees on my rate, I'd ask a sit-down meeting with him and the web developer so we can work out a good design for his site.1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
5 Aug 16
@Jackalyn Hopefully he's up for a meeting. If he gets a little out of hand, I can tell on him to my former boss. Haha!
1 person likes this
@Jackalyn (7559)
• Oxford, England
5 Aug 16
@moonchild117 I would be careful. People who are that awkward could be a problem that gets bigger. He may just be rather ignorant so I would do the meeting as it is easier to judge a person face to face.
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
5 Aug 16
@JustBhem That is so true! It's weird how they would first say they don't know what they like, so you go ahead and give them suggestions. And they'd say they don't like that, too. If you ask again what exactly they want, they'd say "I don't know" again! 
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
5 Aug 16
I know! To add, he obviously doesn't know the process of making a website. You don't just get hosting and domain and stuff the site with information. All the more if it's an e-commerce site or online store wherein you want people to buy from you.
2 people like this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
5 Aug 16
@moonchild117 and if they don't like it they will tell you it's your fault because that's not they want when in fact they don't tell you exactlt what they really want. lol
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
5 Aug 16
Clients like these are a problem for people from creatives. Haha!
I know that in their heads, they probably picture it as an easy thing for us, but they don't get the thinking/creative process that we go through to do our jobs and create the desired output.
1 person likes this
@sabtraversa (12975)
• Italy
5 Aug 16
Yeah, they don't understand the struggle, they think you have a magic wand. 
That's why I don't want a job like that.
Maybe you can go for an hourly price, I know it ain't easy because you aren't used to have one, but for some people it seems like the only solution.
If he doesn't like that you charge per webpage, what does he want you to charge for?
That's why I don't want a job like that.
Maybe you can go for an hourly price, I know it ain't easy because you aren't used to have one, but for some people it seems like the only solution.
If he doesn't like that you charge per webpage, what does he want you to charge for? @moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
5 Aug 16
He wants just a fixed package for everything, content creation plus a revision, I guess.
I could go for an hourly price. I was thinking of a per-word rate, but then again, he hasn't given me specifics on how long or short he wants the content to be.
1 person likes this
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
9 Aug 16
Thanks! I try to be so potential clients will take me seriously. I can be a bit goofy, too.
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
6 Aug 16
Most clients are like that, especially if they don't know the process behind a creative output. Let's see how this goes.
1 person likes this
