I thought I finally landed my first client. We have been discussing how I would work with him to update his contact management spreadsheet for about a month. He asked me several times my rates and I quoted him the same rates for hourly, retainer and project every time.

He send me the spreadsheet last week. After looking it over and guess-estimating the time it would take me to clear up the 1200 rows of names, I sent him the estimated time and my project rate. I also included the contract and request for down payment. My contract clearly states that I must have a signed contract and down payment to start work.

After several days, I received an email staying he has a cash flow problem and wants to barter the job. His barter part would be advertising in his weekly one page newsletter. Since my business is very new and I don't feel that this would benefit me, I don't want to barter this job.

My return email requested that we meet to further discuss. I haven't heard from this client yet and another friend told me the client was in Florida on vacation this week.

What would you do?

Janet