Ok I wrote my first proposal to a potential client now what. When I wrote the proposal He first sent me back an email speaking about who will pay his unpaid bills (being sarcastic). So I sent him an email responding to what he said. I won't get into details what I said because It"s not that important. Now he sent me an email 2 days ago asking about pricing. So I emailed him back and offered him an introductory price and told him he can always call me for a meeting. My question is now that I told him my pricing should I follow up with a phone call and if so what should I start the conversation with? Thanks

Pricing... well you should give it time, as my opinion is that you know for yourself that you provide excellent service. Let that prospect realize that. When you do follow up, make sure that you sound professional in a way that it is but a courtesy that you had to follow up and not that you needed the business. Follow up after 2 days after you have sent your pricing. Then after that after 5 days and then after 10 days. That is if he does not reply or does reply but is asking for more time to think about it.

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I had a red flag moment when I read your post, Virtualleide (don't know your name...you didn't complete your profile!)

Anyone who starts a relationship off with money-sarcasm is a red flag client to me. I just look for those things before I delve into the time spent securing clients.

I just want you to be aware that this may not be a good client to pursue because if he is questioning payment before services are rendered you may have a problem later with payment.

To answer your question...I would follow up with one additional email asking him if he received your information and if he had any questions. I wouldn't follow up with a call. If you have an email list ask if you can add him to that list. This way if he can't decide now, you will be on his radar when the time comes when he will look for your services. If he doesn't respond then, just move on.

If you decide to sign this client, be sure to secure a contract, a deposit and if he is retainer, at least 50% up front. This will cover you if he doesn't pay you in the future.

Since you say you quoted him an introductory rate, which I am assuming is lower than your regular rate, make sure you put in the contract when the introductory rate ends and your normal rate commences.

Janine

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Hi Virtual Wizard my name is Vanessa. I plan on updating my profile. I did not really offer him an introductory rate more like a small percent discount for one time only and I told him about the 50% deposit. Thanks for your two cents.

I don"t know why I addressed you as Virtual Wizard I know I seen your posts before. Mrs. Janine I hope you don"t mind me calling you that?

Vanessa,

You can call me Janine...nice to meet you!

Thank you for posting your situation, which is not uncommon.

I hope it all works out for you. Please post back and let us know what you decide to do.

Janine

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Vanessa,

I thought the same thing as Janine. Usually when someone is sarcastic about paying the bills this sets off my radar. However, I would give some time to let it digest and follow-up after a few days to acknowledge that they got the information and see if they have any other questions.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I'd agree with the above, a client who jokes about paying their bills may not be a very good client in the long run. They may hassle you about price AFTER the project is done, they may be hard to collect payment from. I mean, who knows -- maybe that's just the way they are and maybe they tried to make a harmless joke... But I'd still be cautious.

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Follow up is key so that is a good question to ask, "how often" because I know I don't want to bombard potential clients yet I know they are busy and sometimes need a reminder....

Sometimes in lulls we can be so desperate for a client that we think anyone will do, but we want to find our ideal client, no just anyone. Do let us know what you decide. I would just echo the others and say be cautious. A client who doesn't pay or doesn't pay on time is a frustration and drain.