Comments on: Clients should know it all!

By: Danny

Danny — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:48:01 +0000

I can see if people rely on websites such as forums and bidding sites to get work in how they could get annoyed with such requests. Then again if you rely on forums and biddings sites for work, you have to expect a lot of people undercutting you and people looking for a cheap deal, as if they weren’t looking for the cheapest price they would more likely approach local design companies for quotes and not a forum.

By: Dizi

Dizi — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:21:57 +0000

I agree with you car, if the project is something that your interest in then take the time to explain and give options of what could be done and the various prices that could be attached. If the potential client is serious about their website rather than just looking for the cheapest deal then the explanation will help them.

Much like Scott and !b the way I see it is that there will always be those that do sites for a lot cheaper and there are many reasons why they do that, there will also be people who want a site for next to nothing who aren’t even worth a second look at and those that simply don’t understand because of the way this industry is structured.

I just don’t see the point in moaning about something like this and then attacking those that just simply might not know any better…time could be spent on better things like writing posts complaining about people complaining :p

By: notbanksy

notbanksy — Sun, 23 May 2010 14:23:32 +0000

I agree with Scott – nobody is forcing anyone to respond to these requests. I also think it’s worth mentioning that an e-commerce site for £150 is simply not going to be of the same standard as one made by a professional, experienced developer/ designer, whose time will cost a lot more.

Like all things in this world, you usually get what you pay for.

By: Scott Sampson

Scott Sampson — Sun, 23 May 2010 13:29:09 +0000

Nice article Pixie, well done.

I think it covers all the bases.

This is obviously a common moan amongst those in our profession, but my response is usually “if you don’t want to do it, don’t. Nobody is holding a gun to your head”.

There will ALWAYS be people willing to do it on the cheap. And those clients who only want to pay £150 for an ecommerce site, are welcome to use the cheap designers.

Any client who truly values his/her web presence, will understand that it’s not just a case of throwing a couple of tags into a .doc file, and changing a few words. They realise that you get what you pay for.

Good to see you posting again Now get your arse back on the forum!

By: car

car — Sun, 23 May 2010 07:17:21 +0000

Dizzi, a good read, thank you!
I think that at the end of the day, web designers need to take the time to explain things to prospective clients. Like with many things, prospective clients have preconceived ideas (the reasons for which you have highlighted) and in many cases all you need to do is explain things. Another point is most people simply don’t understand how much time can go into even coding a simple css/html template well, let alone more complex projects like e-commerce sites! The only solution is to walk prospective clients through the process.
In addition, one should also give prospective clients options. Basically say look I can modify a standard wordpress theme and the cost will be x. Alternatively, I can create from the bottom up a personalised solution, include the following features which you require for your specific needs and the cost is y. These are advantages and disadvantages of each option, and then let the client choose. They may go for the cheaper standard template approach which is fine because it is actually easy money. They may also choose the more expensive option where you will be able to earn more money and show-case your skills.
In closing, while I am not a web designer (this is only my hobby) I am a teacher and I assure you, few people appreciate the time or effort I put into what I do. I am frequently told how lucky I am to have a job that affords me a three month holiday each year, and a half day job. Thus the web design profession is not unique and I truly believe the key to overcoming the misconceptions highlighted in this article is … communication and giving people options.