Originally Published July 26, 2017

Why is it that people feel the need to dictate to you the value of your own work? And not only that, but they also want to dictate the terms of engagement:

Almost Client #5,687:
See here creative robot – I’m setting up a new company and I know for sure I need a logo.
Behold the incredibly long novel that is my Business Plan and Brief! Read it and be inspired!
Plus – realize that my budget is [fixed low amount of client’s own choosing] and no matter
what figures you throw at me, I shall keep asking you for a lower rate.
Now – how much did you say it will cost?

Long-suffering Creative Robot, otherwise known as Me:
Well, I think a logo is the best place to start. Here are my rates and I am currently running a
special limited offer for the next month for new clients, which allows you to pick from
these discounted packages.

Almost Client #5,687:
Wonderful! Wonderful! I like Package A: Logo + business card + flyer. It’s perfect for my budget!

Me: Okay great! So now —

Almost Client #5,687: — But I want to substitute the business card with labels – I need 5 by the way.
And I was thinking that I will download my own flyer template off the internet and you can just make
the changes, that way since there’s less work the cost…

Me: Wait wait wait…so not only do you want to customize a set package, you also want a discount
on the discount while simultaneously adding more work?

Almost Client #5,687: I’m trying to stay within my budget.

Me: (underbreath) And I’m trying to stay open.

Almost Client #5,687: So are we in agreement? Package A with logo, flyer, 5 labels and a business profile
for [fixed low amount of client’s own choosing]!

Me: (insert crickets)…..

And that folks is how the Cost Estimate Limbo begins.

Fun fact: it is closely related to a dance known as the Cha-Cha-Charge Less.