Clients can sometimes be… tricky. Okay, “tricky” is an understatement in some situations. They can be absolutely horrific. I’m sure you’ve been offered an “amazing opportunity” to work for exposure at least once in your career. Or maybe you’ve even had an offer you just couldn’t refuse, like working for socks or spray tan. I wonder if people would apply the same logic to other professions. Guys from Foil Arms and Hog wondered the same thing, so they have created a really funny video that shows what it would like if you ask a plumber to work for free.
I recognize some situations, and I’ve been through them as a photographer (and I’m not even a pro). But the absolute winner is “All my friends have toilets.” After watching the video, how many situations can you recognize? “It’s gonna be great for your portfolio,” “I have many followers on Instagram,” “The experience you get here will look amazing in your resume” and so on. Do they seem familiar to you? It can be difficult to set the rates, especially in the beginning of your career. However, once you do it, people still often have unpleasant comments, ridiculous offers and ask you to work for free exposure. I suppose “you will work for exposure” sounds nicer than “I’m not gonna pay you for your work.”
If this happens to you, show your client this video. And ask them to try the same technique with a plumber or any other professional to see how it works. Exposure is great, but it doesn’t pay the bills to anyone, no matter if they are a plumber or a photographer.
Does this happen to you? How do you deal with clients like this? What’s the strangest offer you had instead of being paid?
[Working for Free | Foil Arms and Hog]
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