the kind of clients we want

I actually had a prospective client say,

“I wrote all the copy, am providing the photos and I’m going to tell you how to lay it out, I don’t understand why I have to pay that much….I’m looking for someone to work with me….. If I don’t call you, you’ll know why”.

If this client does call and we refuse service, this is why. We want clients that aren’t afraid to invest in themselves and that simply aren’t seeking a bargain basement deal.

What did they hope to accomplish by essentially saying, “I don’t think you’re worth it”. Did they think we would say, “You’re right, we aren’t worth it, and I really believe in your product and want to do excellent for you…after all….you truly believe in our abilities.” This client’s product most likely retails for over a thousand dollars each but had issue with spending a third of one sale on a brochure! They wouldn’t walk into a doctor’s, lawyer’s office or even a grocery store and say….I’m looking for someone to work with me. No, the price is the price and people don’t question something they understand the value of.

I once learned from a millionaire that if you’re always trying to haggle on pricing or ask someone to work for less than they’re worth, you’re ultimately going to loose. They will either cut corners on the job, do sub-standard work, or resent you during the life of the relationship.

We want clients that believe in the power and value of what we provide. If clients don’t think from the start that there is a great benefit of professional design, then they’re never going to be satisfied with the work no matter how great it is. This type of mentality makes for a poor working relationship. We believe in what our clients have to offer and our clients believe that we deliver priceless elevated branding that creates a future of profitability.

“start-ups don’t have the money”

..I DON'T BUY THAT ARGUMENT AND HERE'S WHY: People have no problem paying over $100 a month for DVR and every TV channel known to man, but bawk at paying the same amount for business card design. That kills me. HBO is not making you any money. Unless you’re an entertainment reporter, script writer, industry person, HBO is not making you a dime. Mercedes Benz is not making you a dime, in fact its worth less and less every day, whereas great design and the word-of-mouth buzz about the wow factor of your piece is worth more and more everyday.

Its not that people don’t have the money, its that they don’t perceive it to be a priority, so as a result, they devalue the prosperity that intelligent design can bring. As a result, they allocate a miniscule budget for it. And they bargain shop design as if they can get the same thing from a different store, but at a cheaper price, like its some household item. When they should be choosing a designer like they carefully choose a school for their children to attend. Just as a young parent would ask, businesses should question, “who is going to be best to shape the future of my newborn…(business)? Who is qualified and can inspire it to go beyond the standard and exceed expectations. Who can mold and shape the image [insert branding] made in my likeness to be a leader, a force in the world to make an impact and have influence on their environment and ultimately prosper?”