Q. I followed your example and started clarifying on my job proposals a list of what my quote includes. One of the specifics I list is “two rounds of revisions.” Do you also have a set fee if the client asks for a third revision?
I’m working on a book right now for a client who just finished reviewing the second revision and wants “just a few” changes. He thinks they are small changes, but I know they are more involved than he realizes and will take me a couple hours of work. If I add $100 or more to the price we agreed on, I don’t think he’ll see the value of what he’s getting for that. He asked me what this third draft would cost him, and I told him I would take a look at what’s involved and get back to him with a quote. Any advice on the best way to handle this?
A. I’m not picking on you when I say this, because I hear a lot of similar stories, but… Don’t. Be. A. Doormat. Seriously, in my world, if the scope of a project changes beyond what it was originally promised to be, I’m back on the clock. Period. End of discussion. Do NOT let a client drive that.
No, I don’t have a set fee for a third round of revisions, because there’s no such thing as a fixed “third round of revisions.” Think logically. A third round of revisions on a book will obviously be totally different than a third round on a brochure. I’ll charge my hourly rate time how ever much time it takes.
As for your statement, “If I add $100 or more to the price we agreed on, I don’t think he’ll see the value of what he’s getting for that.” Why do you say that? I’m assuming that $100 is based on some calculation of estimated time you think it’ll take times an hourly rate, no? If so, why wouldn’t he see the value in that if he’s seen the value in all the other work you’ve done?
UNLESS, of course, you’ve trained him to think he can keep adding work to your original plate and get it for the same price, and you’ve done nothing to disabuse him of the notion. Not trying to put you on the spot, but why are your skills to be valued far less than his feelings or his appreciation or his regard for you? You’re so worried that he think well of you that you forget about YOU. And the irony is, as long as you take that approach, he won’t have any respect for you (deep down), but as soon as you look out for YOU, and expect to be treated like a professionally, you’ll earn his respect and admiration, along with more money. And $100 for a third revision of a book? You’ve GOT to be kidding. Even if it’s a few things, as long as you put no parameters on it, I PROMISE you, he’ll keep working you as long as he darn well pleases.