This may go back to the fundamentals of human nature (gimme, gimme, gimme" and "up yours" from certain generations) and I find it sad that we always have to watch our backs against those who would use and abuse us.

I would barter for services with a trusted old friend but never a stranger. Just tell Mr. Sneaky that much as you'd like to partner with him, you do not barter your services. Thank him for his interest and "If I can help you at any time just give me a call" and move on.

Lynne

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com

Originally Posted by Wordpro Wizard

This may go back to the fundamentals of human nature (gimme, gimme, gimme" and "up yours" from certain generations) and I find it sad that we always have to watch our backs against those who would use and abuse us. I would barter for services with a trusted old friend but never a stranger. Just tell Mr. Sneaky that much as you'd like to partner with him, you do not barter your services. Thank him for his interest and "If I can help you at any time just give me a call" and move on. Lynne

I completely agree with Lynne. If this potential client is trying to be cheap NOW, wait until you need to raise your rates to be competitive! Bartering should be reserved for not only 'trusted old friends' but also for something you need/want that has a comparable value to what YOU are providing. A not-well-known newsletter isn't worth your time EVER but especially not when you are starting out.

I know it's frustrating telling a potential client 'no', but this will leave the door open and the time available for a PAYING client...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

You might consider bartering him for an all expenses paid week-long vacation in Florida!

I wouldn't consider bartering my services. My time and talents are valuable to me and should be to any potential client.

Keep us posted on what happens at your "client" meeting.

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutions
www.cjvbs.com

I agree with the other posts in that bartering should be a well thought out and should only be offered under special circumstances to a long-term customer or friends you know. If you don't place value on your services, who else will?

Sheila

I agree with both Jules and Lee. Accepting a barter offer should ONLY be done when it is mutually beneficial and equal in value. This guy is totally looking to get something for nothing. He is upfront showing that he has no respect for the services you provide and does not see value in it.

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Tomesia Ingram
Virtual Partner 4 Success
www.vp4success.com

I love your answer Janet Great thinking, I'll have to keep that in mind next time someone complains about cash flow problems!

As far as the bartering, I've done it just a couple of times but it's been a situation where either I had time and interest in the project that they needed assistance with or the barter was something that I could use but wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to pay for.

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Vivi Gonzalez
www.VirtualBusinessPartners.com

After reading all the posts, I know what I going to say to this client, respectively and nicely but firmly. I have so much enjoyed all the comments, some of them making me laugh and others food for thought. This forum has been so great for me and I have learned so much. Just being involved here has given me the confidence to know that I'm on the right track and just have to keep going. Most people give up just when they are about to find success. I am not going to be one of them.
Thanks to all of you for your comments, suggestions and support.
Janet

Originally Posted by leedrozak

Janet, Tell him you cannot barter but that you can also offer him bookkeeping services to help collect his receivables and alleviate his cash flow problem.

I love these answers

Sorry I am late to the game here! I have to agree with everyone else and it sounds like you know this in your heart and are proceeding accordingly... personally, I wouldn't even post an invite to meet again, I'd just politely let him know that you're available if and when he's ready to work together. And, as a few others have advised, I'd make sure you get a healthy deposit as the something-for-nothing mentality tends to translate into other areas of business dealings as well, invited or not.

Hang in there, your ideal clients are on their way and this is just a bit of business growth along the way.

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I agree with all the comments made here. Which takes me to any new client asking for services. Does anyone ask for a retainer for "new clients" only? Just for the first month or so until you feel that this new client is a 'paying customer'? And then you could go back to your normal method of billing/collecting.

There will always be the sad fact that you finish the work for a 'new' client and then they don't have the money to pay.

So even if you take a 50% deposit up front, and you hold back the work, you still are being shorted. So would anyone take a retainer which would include besides retainer clients, hourly or project based clients?

I think this would be a way to secure payment from new clients that we have no background on at all. Especially in this bad economy. Thoughts? Thanks!

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JoCarole
http://www.shoreofficeservices.com

Tess & Jocarole, You comments and suggestions are excellent. From this experience, I am going to develop a pre-qualification form for the potential client to complete. In this form, my policies will be explained so the client understands that I am a serious business woman and expect to be paid for my services.

So many people try to dismiss our services since they don't understand how important our help can be. I had this experience in the corporate world also. I had several jobs where I didn't feel appreciated for my suggestions and work.

My policy to is request a retainer for every job I am accepting from all clients. I have not decided when I thought the client was established enough with me to know I would get paid with or without the retainer. Something else to consider.

Like Tess's tagline, "if you're good, don't do it for free". So true!!

Janet