Open Thread: Do You Ever Work for Free?
Posted July 11, 2010 in Managing Clients, Open Thread
As freelancers, we need to earn a profit or we’ll go out of business.
But, if you’re like me you also get a lot of requests from people who want you to do work for them for free. Sometimes, they offer something or some service in exchange (barter), but most often they simply want us to do something for them because they can’t afford to pay for our regular services.
I can thank of a few instances when a freelancer might decide to offer work for free:
- The freelancer wants to get some exposure by guest posting on a popular blog
- The person making the request is a personal friend or family member
- The project is for a charitable cause that the freelancer cares about deeply
- The freelancer is doing something for his or her own business (such as updating their website)
Looking at yet another such request for free work today got me to wondering. How do other freelancers handle such requests?
Do you ever work for free?
Is working for free ever acceptable? If so, when? How do you respond to those who ask you for free work?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
Related posts:
- Open Thread: Do You Accept Rush Work?
- Open Thread: Do You Work With Other Freelancers?
- Open Thread: Do You Work On Vacation?
- Open Thread: Do You Take All the Work You Are Offered?
- Open Thread: What Are Your Work Hours?
About the author: Laura Spencer is a freelance writer from North Central Texas with over 20 years of professional business writing experience. If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy Laura’s blog about her freelance writing experiences, WritingThoughts. Laura is also on Google+.
The Unlimited Freelancer is Now Only $19
Unleash the true potential of your business. Get The Unlimited Freelancer and start transforming your freelance business,
now only $19.
Try searching "Getting Clients" or "Productivity"
Free Report
Sign up for our product discount list to get a free copy of Why Some Freelancers Thrive and Others Barely Survive. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Forum Discussions
- Order Now, BlackBerry Porsche Design P'9981--$850, HTC One X
May 25th, 2012 - 5:16 am - Nokia Lumia 710 T-Mobile-$330 & Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S
May 25th, 2012 - 5:15 am - Place your order at www.direct-saleslimited.com
May 25th, 2012 - 5:13 am
Popular Articles
- SEO Techniques All Top Websites Should Use
- When a Client Can't Afford You: Why It's Still Better to Bid High
- How To Stop Scrambling For Clients And Get A Steady Stream Of Paying Gigs
- A Simple Way To Stop Clients From Rejecting Your Proposals
- 3 Reasons Your Rates Are Still Low (And How To Start Raising Them)
57 Comments
Elisa
July 11th, 2010 at 8:38 amI *rarely* do anything for free. Exceptions would be writing for big name websites that will lead to exposure and expand my portfolio.
I have done a fair share of bartering with clients, especially as I was building up my portfolio and client list. The way I figure it most people probably have SOME sort of product or trade to offer. And if they are willing to ask me for free work then I have no problem turning around and asking them in-turn.
Kanz
July 11th, 2010 at 9:08 amthere is no way I will do anything for free. even if you’re making something for some charity organization you should not do this for free. if they can’t pay you money I’m sure they can pay in advertisements, recommendation and stuff.
Thomas Stark jr.
July 11th, 2010 at 9:20 amVery, very rarely. I never worked with the charity or non-profit organization but I’m sure that they’re willing to pay and they should pay.
Last time I did something for free was the contact form for my friend (about 2 months ago) – he has very weak PHP knowledge and I used the contact form I have made in past.
Waheed Akhtar
July 11th, 2010 at 9:26 amI never do any website project for free but yes I do when it comes to guest blogging (only for popular blogs)
Freelance FactFile
July 11th, 2010 at 9:28 amOnce I wrote a leaflet for a charity for free. Only once.
I earn my living by copywriting so why would I do it for free? You don’t hear your dentist saying, “It’s OK, your filling is on the house.”
Nick Young
July 11th, 2010 at 9:31 amYes, but not often. I will NOT do free work for any large organisations, charity or other.
I have only done a few free sites, all of which are for local non-profit organisations that I tend to have something to do with anyway. They are all well advertised in the local community and hence provide good advertising for me. However, free work that I do tends to be simple easy to set-up and uses off-the shelf components.
I think doing free work gives you good exposure and advertising, however, as I have found, people do expect you to do work for them for free or very cheap so it does have its down sides as well.
S Caine
July 11th, 2010 at 9:43 amI sort of feel like I have to. I graduated last year in November. It has proven almost impossible to get regular paid work, so I’m bouncing from placement to placement doing free work to get contacts / experience.
At weekends I work low paying, but at least paying, jobs to get me through the week that I’m not earning.
Phil Mckenny
July 11th, 2010 at 9:50 amI try not to work for free to often but I have done so on a few occasions.
Namely friends and family and a site I will be doing soon for a local pre school who are strapped for cash. I figure if around 50 – 100 local parents use the site and I advertise my services discretly on the site it may be worthy time.
The problem with working for discounted rates and *free* is that it devalues the whole industry, and when you actually get a lead and give them a real quote the client often gets a big shock and your in danger of losing the work it’s a tightrope.
Frederick
July 11th, 2010 at 10:52 amI have had occasions where I did out of scope work for free. I have finally reached my end with out of scope work though, and can no longer accept it. From now on it will be all about following our written contract. Many times I have had verbal request when speaking to a client on the phone where they quickly ask you for a change, This change turns out to be 1 or 2 hr request. If you have a handlful of projects, this free revision time might turn out to be 10-15hrs per week. It will consume your weeks with no earnings. Controlling out of scope work has to be a part of the daily routine, and make sure to not perform free work. Elance has been a great place to find business for us, but the abuse by clients is rampant.
Syed Sumair Zafar
July 11th, 2010 at 11:05 amyeah for some first time clients i do there small projects for free to gain trust so that they gave me projects in future and trust me it works…..
like i do professional photography and some time for makeup artist and fashion designer i do there first shoots for free later when they satisfied with my work i charge them for future projects
Stephen Tiano
July 11th, 2010 at 11:06 amNo, although I have come down on proposed prices a few times for books that I wanted to b a part of where the client couldn’t quite swing my full price. But I do not work for free.
Jacob
July 11th, 2010 at 11:27 amI work for free, on occasion. I recently built a custom WordPress theme for my girlfriend: http://dizzyswallo.ws. I’m building a site for my brother’s business for free. However, he does feed some clients my way, so I guess it’s more of a partnership. And, I like to donate a bit of time here and there to causes I respect that need a bit of help.
I think it’s a perfectly respectable thing to do. Carpenters, painters, plumbers, and many other professionals help out friends and family, or the local school for free (or a case of beer). I think it improves your reputation, skills, portfolio, and it feels good.
Sharon Hurley Hall
July 11th, 2010 at 12:11 pmI don’t do client work for free. However, I’m the volunteer webmaster for a local organisation I belong to, and I have done resumes for friends for free (all I ask for is a great testimonial). I swap guest posts with people too. Other than that, I charge for my time.
Nicole Foster
July 11th, 2010 at 12:25 pmI haven’t done free work since I built my portfolio, but I am willing to do it for charities if they contact me.
Nonetheless, I do guest post occasionally because I see the worth in it.
TheAL
July 11th, 2010 at 12:59 pmFree work is fine if it’s something like the four examples you made. But, for the most part, no. Free work != staying afloat. If people think I should have no problem making them free web sites or apps, why can’t I get free cars and apartments?
wone
July 11th, 2010 at 1:16 pmThis is quiet a tough one though, I have some many work for free. Or at least charge a very small fee that is affordable by the individual with a clause it is heavily discounted I shared in the payment.
Jaryl Sim
July 11th, 2010 at 1:16 pmConsider your opportunity cost when working for free. A lot of people forget this, but each hour you work for free, you are losing money. Essentially, you are paying for getting the job done.
The next time someone asks you to work for free, consider asking the same of the person. Ask them if they would take unpaid leave to help you with a task you have and they will surely understand.
However, if you believe that a gig could potentially open more opportunities, or for altruistic reasons, then by all means do them for free, and hopefully they’re worth it.
wone
July 11th, 2010 at 1:23 pmJaryl just made a good point there. Seems a good suggestion to imbibe
Jordan Walker
July 11th, 2010 at 2:15 pmSometimes, I will give hosting to my friends who want a website or blog. Usually helps when we meet up for drinks – the round is always on them!
Shevonne
July 11th, 2010 at 2:46 pmI only work for free if it’s for a good cause or it will give my brand exposure.
George Fragos
July 11th, 2010 at 4:20 pmWorking for free can help you build your initial portfolio but choose carefully because these clients are also your references. Don’t do free work for anyone you wouldn’t use as a reference. Always establish a value for your work with your client — how much you would have charged. You don’t want a reputation for working for free. Don’t forget the barter system, trade your work for their goods or services. In one case I did work for a startup seeking funding. I kept track of my hours but agreed to only be paid for my time if funding was obtained. My travel expenses were however billed and paid along the way. I consider guest posts as a form of advertising but make sure that the post includes a link to your site and that you maintain copyright of your work.
Colin Morgan
July 11th, 2010 at 4:34 pmI usually end up doing free work for family members or close family friends. I try not to do it too often because I feel like I tend to give them less attention then they deserve.
Cassie Armstrong
July 11th, 2010 at 6:21 pmYes, I have worked for free. I have done so a few times when potential clients are kicking the tires and want to see what I can do for them before they commit. My limit is proofing ten pages for free. When I have done so, I’ve landed the project.
I have also proofed newsletters for free for my local Ronald McDonald House. I did so when I was just starting out. They were kind enough to give me credit in several of their newsletters. That was the same as free advertising. I didn’t receive any projects, but I did have a feeling of selfworth because I was doing something for a worthwhile cause.
I also proof election materials, from time to time, for a local political nonprofit. They don’t have the money to pay, and again they give me credit in their newsletter and online.
I don’t work for free often, but I’ll consider doing so if I can benefit in the long run. So far, I have definitely benefited.
TODHD
July 11th, 2010 at 7:07 pmI used to work for free to help me build up my work portfolio
Behzad
July 11th, 2010 at 7:45 pmI have clients that bring me large projects that are well paid. However when they want a small change to their website I throw that in. It depends on the scope of the job. I am not going to nickle and dime them on small jobs.
Lynn Clark
July 11th, 2010 at 8:28 pmI believe that in order to increase what comes into your life, you must give a percentage of your energy without compensation. What goes out into the universe comes back multiplied. To not do pro bono work at all is to live from a perspective of lack and fear.
I will do work for causes and people I believe in, or who I connect with. I’m not talking about always, but on occasion, perhaps about 10% of my time.
For my resume-writing business, I give free resume reviews that include instructions for how to write a 21st century resume. It’s enough information for someone to go do what I’d do for them. I don’t see them as competition. About 20% of the time the person hires me, and about 10% of the time they refer someone to me. I’m giving about two hours of my time each month.
For my nascent photography business, I’ve become the official photographer for the writer’s group I belong to as a way to gain skill in event photography, which is where I will focus this arm of my business. I work for trade at a discounted hourly rate–I’d rather build up a credit for their great classes than get cash right now. They are great about giving me credit for my work, and that exposure gained me a paying gig for group member, who is now paying me a full rate to shoot her wedding. The next writer’s event, which is a 2-hour gig, worth about $100 to me, is pro bono.
In my freelance writing/pr business, I prefer to offer free consulting or proofreading/editing than free writing. That way, I’m just sharing my knowledge vs using up a creative store I need for my clients and personal work. Recently, I spent an hour with a group that needed help understanding the basics of social media and what they need to think about for a plan. Maybe someday they’ll hire me, maybe they won’t. It doesn’t matter.
Life is not about making money. It’s about making a difference while living an authentic life. Usually, when you’re living authentically, the money comes.
Paul
July 11th, 2010 at 10:11 pmI wouldn’t agree to work for free, unless I were starting and needed tu build my portfolio and reputation.
AuroraMorealis
July 12th, 2010 at 1:03 am“I believe that in order to increase what comes into your life, you must give a percentage of your energy without compensation. What goes out into the universe comes back multiplied. To not do pro bono work at all is to live from a perspective of lack and fear.”
I like what Lynn Clark wrote here, and I agree with it too. I quite my very comfortable job last December so I could dedicate about 30-50% of my time to non-profit organizations (http://theedge.ph, http://republikha.org) that promote media for cultural change and education. This year I’m spending 5 months helping out at a media school in Thailand (http://medialightasia.com). True, there are some days that I stress out about money, but just when I really start to panic, the paying jobs come in. So yes, it does come back to you. And it’s really fulfilling to have some part in making the world a beter place.
I suppose more than anything, I’m able to do all these things because I’m young and I don’t have a family to worry about yet, so I’m trying to do as many of the high-risk, high-reward projects now. When the big bills start coming in, I think I’ll cut down on the volunteer work, but I can’t imagine not doing any pro bono work at all. Giving back is great for the soul. And really, it’s even more rewarding than a big paycheck.
^_^
Stephanie
July 12th, 2010 at 1:05 amI’d probably do free work if they will allow me to have my name under that piece and to claim rights to the work. Guest posting is a clear example of this. I used to do spec work but only because I was unaware of the scams some clients are executing in order to get their project done for free.
I haven’t done any work for a charity or non-profit organization that I like but if ever I do get a request, I will consider doing it. :)
Tony Cosentino
July 12th, 2010 at 1:16 amThese days I am so busy with paying work I find it very hard to take the time to help out a charity. I used help more when I had less consistent work on.
Maybe it means I need to raise my prices to make room for free work that helps my local community more. I have gotten a lot of personal satisfaction helping others for no financial gain and I must admit I miss the feeling.
Does too busy to care tell us something about who we are becoming chasing the dollar?
kind regards to Laura all the other commentors also.
Solomon
July 12th, 2010 at 3:46 amGreat thoughts over here! I did work for free for friends. I realised later that they too never appreciate the good amount of work that goes in there – especially writing. As words look very simple and familiar.
And, for clients too, I almost wrote them for free- for half the price or less. But, not any more now. I would rather read a book and spend some quality time relaxing rather than working for free.
The more I give them free, or work for less, the more I’m lowering my self worth. Which is a great blow to my conscience. Hence, I decided not to work for free or for less. Even, if the prospect assures me of great future work or some great publicity.
I started telling them politely that It is not possible with me. Of course, I learnt this after two years of struggle. I got to this level of maturity after I realised how much I’m worth looking at the kind of work people are doing at some good price.
Jason Cross
July 12th, 2010 at 3:55 amFree work has its advantages for new freelancers, but when free work turns into scope creeping it can start to become out of control and becomes very hard to get that customer back to accepting paying for work.
I charge for work even if it takes me 1 minute. I once timed my “free” work and actually found I was loosing weeks worth of income.
If you’re going to do work for free, really weigh up the benefits and think about the future and your relationship with the client.
Nico
July 12th, 2010 at 12:11 pmI have worked in the charity/NGO industry for the last 15 years and recently made the move to web freelancing. The one piece of advice i can give all of you is that charities do have the money to pay you. However, they are always looking for someone to give it to them for free or a discount. It’s just the ethos that charities live in. If they want a good work, they will have to pay for good work. I hate to bring it up, but “you get what you pay for!”. If you want to give back to your community, choose one project/organization and make them your only one. Do it right and do it well and feel good about it at the end of the day. Don’t stretch yourself by doing several “Free” jobs
Laura Spencer
July 12th, 2010 at 2:00 pmGreat discussion!
Thanks everyone for sharing. There are some interesting perspectives here in the comments.
Simeon
July 12th, 2010 at 4:10 pmI regularly do work for free as it’s by far the cheapest and happiest marketing you could ever do. I find it builds posiitive karma around yourself and pays for itself in many other ways outside of the actual work itself. Higher prices elsewhere, more opportunities, happier suppliers.
Big benefit, doing this with startups is great because you become the 1st people they call on as they progress.
TLC
July 12th, 2010 at 8:26 pmYes, I have worked for free. I’m a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and last year I took photos at BlitzBuild and the following dedications. They, in turn, gave me a link on their local blog. I’ve also done some volunteer work through our camera club.
I will volunteer my time and give work for free to causes I believe in because I have plenty of time and skills, but very little cash, to give. I’ve been very blessed in my business, and I believe in giving back to my community.
However, I DO NOT believe in discounting for people who are too cheap/whiny/lazy to pay — especially if they are other business owners and charge for a service, just like I do. It’s incredibly unfair to expect me to give my services away for free when I know very well they wouldn’t do the same for me, and they wouldn’t expect a grocery store or car dealership to do it, either.
Pramod Venugopal
July 13th, 2010 at 12:11 amI do work for free, but only for local charities and non-profits. Then again I offer to donate my services and never the other way around. I am also very specific about what is free and what is not free.
I believe in giving back to the community. I don’t have a lot of money to donate, just my skill set.
Francesca
July 13th, 2010 at 6:22 amI have recently worked for free. A friend just sut up a new business and had no budget for PR activities. After 7 years of experience in-house and in PR agencies, I wanted to start freelancing and agreed to do some work for free (I still have a job that pays my bills). For a variety of reasons (see point 1, 2 and 6 of you post ‘How to decide which jobs to take and when to say no’) I regret i offered to give him an hand. lesson learnt – for free? never ever again!
Tommy
July 13th, 2010 at 9:55 amI never do work for “free” anymore. I always make sure to get something out of my efforts, whether it be advertising or something new that I want for my portfolio (which I will never consider “finished”). As a lot of my business comes from Word of Mouth, I also make it very clear WHY I am not charging so there is no confusion as to why they don’t get the same deal next time. If you don’t put a value on your work, why should anyone else? Your saying, in effect, “I’m giving this to your for nothing because that’s what I think it’s worth.”
nikos lianeris
July 13th, 2010 at 3:47 pmYes I do work for free and I believe it worth’s it.I’ve already designed a site for a friend of mine and I’m in the process of designing another one. Since I started working as a freelancer recently working for free really helps me because I have the chance to practice and experiment on web design or SEO without the I-paid-you-to-make-the-job-but-you-ruined-it effect! :)
Stacy Ranta
July 14th, 2010 at 6:06 amI work for free on occasion, but only for charities, and only when I approach them first. As far as losing money when you work for a charity, it’s no different than someone volunteering their time when they could be working at a job instead. Makes me feel good, and sometimes you get business leads out of it.
Kelsey
July 19th, 2010 at 12:08 pmI’ll do work for non-profits that support causes that are important to me, like animal shelters and women’s rights. I’ve also done free work for friends and family, to support their part-time endeavors and side businesses.
Stephen Tiano
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:09 amI started to comment and then realized I was getting just a little wordy and perhaps a bit intense. So I made it a short piece on my blog.
Trackbacks