In business, but especially in small business, I feel you need to be consistent in your business beliefs, whether you are a buyer or a seller. Here’s a quick tidbit that explains this a little better:
I believe in offering high quality at a fair price. For example, my prices are not the lowest – I do not compete on price. I compete on quality writing for a fair price. If you are shopping for just a price, I lose. No problem.
I extend this when I am dealing with others. Kelley Rao, who did my Clear-Writing website, was not the lowest priced out there. But I felt she was the best. So I used her.
In fact, in almost all cases, I do not shop on price. I believe in fair value, I want quality, and I am willing to pay for it. And I should be that way, because I offer the same to my paying customers. I do NOT beat anyone up over price and say “so and so is cheaper.”
In other words, I do not expect people to use ME based on value, but then turn around and use others based solely on price. It’s just not consistent.
I mention this because I’m surprised at the number of people out there who sell their own service on value, but then shop others on price. Recently, I had someone who wanted me to write a page saying how he was worth his higher rates, how he was a good value, etc etc… but then proceeded to give ME the “well, so and so is cheaper.”
Now, this would be fine if “so and so” was one of the writers out there whom I consider good competitors. Apples to apples, then – no problem. But this particular “so and so” had a two page site with little writing. Basically, a page of rates, and obvious “we outsource to college kids” demeanor. NOT apples to apples by any stretch. It was clear who the better, more professional writer (and business) was.
My prospective client was not consistent. He wants people to see his value, but he’s not willing to see anyone else’s. I feel that’s a poor way to do business.
End of the story is I told him to use “so and so”. He replied with “but I want *your* writing”. To which I said “then pay MY rate, and not so and so’s”.
He did, and he’s happy with my work.
Be consistent – you’ll be a better business and a better client.
A great story. Shopping on price is never a good approach especially for a service provider. I always tell myself if I want something cheaply done, I can buy a “for dummies” book and do it myself. Paying for quality is much better for moving forward.