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| Jul 16, 2006 6:22 pm |
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re: Why do people think that they can get things for free? |
| gazellems
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Hello Bonni,
I can sympathize with your problem totally. I've been a VA since 1998 and I have fired several customers for exactly what you are talking about. The main problem is these clients are looking for the cheapest and not the best.
When I closed in April 2005, I thought my troubles with difficult clients would be over. Imagine my surprise to find myself back in business in another state nine months later and under very taxing conditions.
Did I hope that nine months and another state would make for better clients? To a degree, yes. Did I find that to be the case? Unfortunately, no.
My policy now is no price bargaining. If you can't afford my prices then you and I can't do business together. I've had several clients ask for bargain rates even though my rates are as low as I can make them.
I've got a person who owes me money right now from June who refuses to return my calls, disregards emails and letters. Now you would think this person owed me hundreds of dollars. Actually, the invoice was for less than $100 but that just makes the extra time and efforts to collect all the more insulting. The sad part is I was looking forward to helping this person rebuild their business and become the success they described being.
I've spoken with several VAs who have the same problem. The general consensus is to work on retainer alone. If you don't get the money up front then don't do the work. It's sad to have to go to such lengths to be paid but it's become an epidemic.
So, no you are not alone in this problem. Perhaps the best thing to do is just fire this client and move on. I have fired one client already this year and I'm having problems with another looking for something for nothing.
I love my work and enjoy doing it to the best of my abilities but I can't and won't work for people who don't appreciate quality over cost. I pay more for things that work well for me, what I need is clients willing to do the same. Take care, good luck and God bless.
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Gazelle Simmons, Virtual Assistant
http://www.admnsrvcs.com
Let me help you!Private Reply to gazellems (new win) |
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