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Why can't you just give me a
price?
Would you ask a builder why he can't just build you a
house?
My fees are based on how much time I believe it will take
to complete a project. Just like building a shed takes less
time than building a kitchen - the cost of your project
depends on the size and complexity of the project.
The more information you provide the more accurate your
quote will be. On the other hand, if I have to guess about
something - say how much research will be required - I tend to
estimate more time than less. Why? Because more often than
not, clients who do not provide suffient information up front,
never do provide the information. Then I need to get it
myself. So the formula is simple - the more information
you can provide, the closer your quote will be to
actual costs.
What do you need to know to
write good stuff?
In an ideal world, I'd know everything you know, plus what
your customers know, what your prospects who never buy know,
and what your competitors know. Plus I'd know what the
manufacturer, the engineer, the designer and everyone else
remotely involved with your product knows. Sounds like a
lot, huh?
Well it IS a lot. Most of the time I only know a fraction
of what I would like to know. Why do I need all that
information?
I'm looking for the golden nuggets - the bits and pieces
that makes your product worth far more than anything else your
prospects may consider and that make your price a pittance
when compared to the value received.
Why Should I Hire
You?
Maybe you shouldn't. That's why we need to talk first. The
only reason you should hire me is if we agree I can offer far
more value to your business than what I charge. How do I offer
this value?
Let's say you are not happy with the sales from your web
site and you're considering replacing your sales page...
We talk and I take a quick look at your
business. What do I find?
Maybe you are offering the product before you've
established a solid relationship with the prospect.
Maybe the value is not being perceived.
Or there could be a combination of things.
After we discuss my observations and recommendations, we
decide on a plan of action and I offer a quote for my
services.
Or consider this scenario
You've got a project and want a quote. After we talk, I
present a plan of action. If you like the plan, I provide a
quote.
The time to decide whether to
hire me is after we've talked, agreed on a plan and you have a
solid quote in front of you.
Just like I need a certain amount of information to offer
you a fair price, you need the tools to make an informed
decision about me.
What if I don't like your
copy?
Just wait - you'll love it! You'll see. Besides...
All copy comes with my own "Double Barrel Guarantee" -
if you're not satisfied, I'll revise your copy not once but
twice so you get the copy you want. All you do is let me know
what you want changed and I'll change to your
specifications.
What about refunds?
Could a builder refund your money after he built a house to
your specifications? Just as he can't turn back the clock or
take back the materials he used, I can't reclaim the time
spent on your project. If I can't have my hours back, how can
I return your money?
Do you do web design
too?
No. I'm far better with words and marketing than I am with
graphics and design. I do have connections with some very
talented people who can do this work depending on their
workload.
How long will my project
take?
Every project is different so quote comes with a
tenative timetable. Once the quote is accepted, we will
agree on a deadline. Please understand I do not miss deadlines
- yours or other clients - so I do not take on work I cannot
complete in time. This is why I charge extra for rush work.
Rush jobs require me to do whatever it takes to squeeze your
project in and that generally means burning some midnight
oil.
Do you require a
contract?
While a formal contract is not necessary, I do require a
written agreement so we both know what is expected and when
and our understanding is on paper. Your project does not
"officially" begin until I have a signed agreement and a down
payment in hand.
How do you get
paid?
Generally speaking, I ask for 50% of the quoted price down
with the balance due when the final (2nd) revision is
delivered. If 2 weeks goes by without a
revision request then the last version delivered is
considered accepted and final payment is due. If you have
special needs, let me know ahead of time and I'll try to work
out a satisfactory solution.
How do I get my
copy?
Most of the time your copy will be delivered via email in
an attached Word document. Again if you need something
different, let me know ahead of time so I can make appropriate
accommodations.
The Next
Step
If you like what you''ve read this far why don't we get
together and talk about your project over a cup of coffee - so
to speak. (Most of my appointments are via either online
or email.)
You can call my toll-free number 443-254-3703
so we can get together for "a cup
of coffee" - so to speak and talk. If you
call, please leave an email address in case I have problems
returing your call.
Or... simply fill out the short form below and I'll
call you (let me know when it would be convenient for
you). | 
