Unusual Clients – 1

At the end of June 2011 I finished working as an contract analyst/programmer doing mainframe support using ADABAS/NATURAL at a large government office. I have known since May 2011 that my contract was not going to be renewed and so I embarked on a job hunting misson. At the same time I also started looking at a website that had a section on ‘computing/IT jobs’. One of the advertisements I responded to is the reason for this post.

I called the contact number listed on the advertisement and got some guy on the other end. After the initial introductions he asked me if I can help fix his website. He gave me the URL and when I looked his site was a mess. I think he tried to fix the website himself and then realised that he made matters worse (much like husbands trying to fix a leaking tap only to call a plumber in the end). He also mentioned that aside from the site being fixed it should also be made in such a way that is way better than his competitor’s websites. At this point, the questions were coming fast and furious that I was having a hard time answering them. And then he asked the famous question “How much?” Whenever I hear this question I am tempted to reply “How long is a piece of string?” Oftentimes I get this type of question and my usual reply is I need more information on what really needs to be done and the expected task duration. If the there is an urgent need my charging rates go up a bit as opposed to a much later delivery date.

I then told him that it will take me between four to five hours to setup a similar site in WordPress. I did mention that it was better to use a premium theme etc. I mentioned my charging rate and the total for the five hours. Simple math. I was stunned at his reply of “Look, finish the job in four hours for x amount (x here represents an amount that is 60% less than what I told him).” And then he added that if I can take a look at his other website and fix the layout for an additional $50.00.  In order for me not to say something nasty I said I’d think about it and get back to him.

After I thought about the offer I sent off an email explaining why I cannot take on the task. This prospective client had red flags all over the place. I just felt that he was the type of client who will keep asking for changes and fixes without spending a single cent for it. Of course, I could be wrong but I’d rather be wrong now than be sorry later.