Freelance Client Red Flags: the Promiser
Welcome to part one of my series: exploring red-flag clients in the gig economy. Today, we’re looking at: the Promiser.
The Promiser is the potential client who, with a sly wink, asks for a discount with the promise of more work if you do a good job. And while that promise might be tempting, this is one of the most popular red-flag clients freelancers come across.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper look at who the Promiser is, how you can handle them in your DMs, and how to move forward with an offer or counter offer. Let’s dig in!
The Promiser: Who are They?
The Promiser is one of the of red-flag clients you might encounter as a freelancer. They’re a cousin to the potential client who asks for “free samples.” They masterfully dangle the carrot of future opportunities in front of freelancers in exchange for discounted rates on their first project with you.
Now, hear me out. “Masterfully” might be some strong language, I admit. All Promisers offer the same thing, but they aren’t all ill-intentioned. But regardless, their approach is rooted in the myth of the “starving artist,” a freelancer so desperate for work they’re willing to undersell their expertise for the mere promise of more work.
The ill-intentioned Promiser presents themselves as a gatekeeper to more lucrative projects, bigger businesses, influential connections, or steady work. And while some of these potential clients might actually have the potential they claim to have, others are misleading you for their own gain. And that’s why the Promiser has earned a spot in the red-flag client series.
How to Handle the Red-Flag Promiser
Exposure doesn’t pay the bills. And neither does “potential.” Here’s a message I like to use when a Promiser contacts me.
“Hi! Thanks for reaching out! Currently, I offer discounts on subscriptions and bulk orders. I’m happy to offer those discounts to returning and long-term customers; however, one-time and first-time orders are full-price.
I’d be happy to take on a smaller sample project at X rate if you'd like. What would work best for you?”
I like this approach because it essentially flips their original offer back on them. Basically, you’re saying, if you pay full price for this order and come back, I’ll give you a discount on the future work you’ve mentioned.
In this line of work, setting boundaries and upholding your professional standards is important. Like any other professional, freelancers should be compensated fairly for their work and time. If a potential client is unwilling to respect either of those things (your work or time), remember, you’re allowed to say no.
Possible Outcomes with the Promiser
Whether you send them the response I’ve shared above or a response of your own, they’ll likely have something to say about out. In general, I see two kinds of reactions:
They get defensive - They’re unable to understand why you’re not taking them up on their fantastic offer and might assert that they’re doing you a favor by offering you work in the first place. However, they aren’t. They’re purchasing services from a professional, engaging in a business transaction that hopefully blossoms into a mutually beneficial relationship. They aren’t doing you any favors by undervaluing you.
They accept - In this scenario, they take you up on one of your counter offers. In this case, that means they’ve accepted a smaller sample project at a lower rate or agreed to start with one regular-priced project. This is the best-case scenario, and it demonstrates that they respect you as a professional. This client acknowledges your value and is open to establishing a long-term relationship.
In my experience, people who fall into group 1 and get defensive are the people I run away from. However, if a client accepts your counteroffer, you should still proceed with caution. This client started as a promiser, and you should move forward with that in mind. They might be unfamiliar with how the industry or your service works, maybe there’s a language barrier, or maybe they’ve even had negative experiences with other freelancers.
How you choose to proceed is up to you. But whatever you decide, stay alert, set boundaries, and demand the respect you deserve.
Inspect, Respect, and Protect
Know the difference between a red-flag client you should run from and a client who just might need some guidance and accommodation. Sometimes the promiser is just ignorant. With careful inspection and the right precautions, you’ll realize this. Other times, the promiser is trying to take advantage of you. So tread lightly, always be respectful, and remember that it’s okay to say no and protect yourself and your business.
