Its shows track record of hard work, i think its the preliminary to entry level programing and design position.

Its a must for all, to know what to do and what to do!

YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE IT TO KNOW WHERE TO GO HEAD!

Our job is to make sure we can do the job to the standards that they are looking for and do it well. If they don’t understand or are not willing to work within our industry standards then they are not respecting the design and work involved in coming up with specs or ideas and are probably going to be a problem client.

I would try to set up a meeting with them and of course go through our portfolio and gain their confidence. They may be new to this and don’t actually realize what they are asking and why it is almost offensive! I would try to explain to them some of the things that are important when looking for a designer and why they are important so they can make informed decisions when choosing a designer/developer. Hopefully this will help them to make more educated decisions in regards to their project and if not maybe they will go with the person who was upfront and helped them to make a more informed decision.

I would also check out the outcome down the road )if they went with someone else) to see if they received the service and the design they were looking for and how it is working for them Maybe they aren’t happy or it’s not even done and they are ready to go with someone else and remember that you were helpful before.

Split the project into at least two phases. In the first Discovery phase, you and the client hammer out the detailed specifications for the remaining work. This includes creating design mockups (however many you usually do) and taking one to completion.

At the end of the Discovery phase, I’ve delivered:

* final approved design
* detailed specs for development (may be broken into multiple phases)
* schedule and estimate based on my rates

At this point, they can choose to take that information out to bid, or just award the work to me.

Chances are if they go out to bid, they are probably a client I would just as soon not have.

I’ve only them go out to bid twice; both times they awarded the contract to the lowest bidder (which was most definitely not me!). Both times, the project turned out to be a nightmare for the firm that won the bid to complete the work.

Most of the time, we move straight on to development.

The client wins: they have a design and a set of specifications before they have to commit to the entire enchilada.

I win: I’ve been paid for work I’ve done.

As a writer, though, I’ve never had any problem working on spec for articles and such. I’m not going to write marketing copy on spec because it’s basically the same situation as described above–but if I write an article for a publication on spec and they don’t like it, I’m reasonably confident (and history would indicate) that I can sell it to someone else in fairly short order.

In fact, it can be a great way to get in with a larger publication that might not be ready to take a chance on a relatively unknown writer, and it’s virtually risk-free, because if the publication decides not to go with the story, some minor tweaking will probably make it perfect for one of your regular markets.

With new clients that approach me I don’t do spec work. I also get payment in advance. Full for less than $500 or a down payment for larger projects. These clients have found you for a reason. And that reason is likely the high quality of work in your portolfio.

Being confident in your abilities an having the business experience to know how to make a sale puts you in a good position with negotiating with new clients.

Thanks.

Now I have clients and some new clients find me through google, refereals, my blog, etc. Its like I’ve outgrown these contests. If I have enough regular paying work and can find them without doing spec work than Sitepoint no longer has a use for me. I’ve moved away from Sitepoint as being a part of my business plans.

I still see Sitepoint as a potential marketing platform where if I had the time I might occasionly enter a contest. Though at this point it is unlikely. I have to many personal project ideas that if I don’t have client work that day I would love to work on my projects – like aiburn.com.

I have found some great clients through Sitepoint, but I want to target my clients more effectively now and continue to find clients that value my services. Clients that understand the design process and are great to work with. I’m moving further away from low budget work continually.

I personaly don’t think that designers willing to do spec work devalues the industry. Design is fun and if people are willing to do it for free then there is no problem with that. A small business can use Sitepoint and get good results. Though it will take them more time and effort than hiring a professional to do the job. They have to comment on entries and run the contest. So, the client pays in time spent. Which for a small busniess it may be worth it for them.

A business with stakeholders and that has alot to risk should not rely on something that may fall through. It would be good to use a designer that has built a solid reputation and has a good portfolio. Designers that do work on spec are likely hobiest or desingers just getting started out, or designers living in countries with lower standards of living. Not always the most reliable. Though it is possible to find great designers through Sitepoint.

There are exceptions, but often customers do get what they pay for. And quality reliable service will win you many customers. And get you the type of customers you want to work with.