Is That Client Legit or Just a Tire Kicker?
When you’re first starting out as a freelancer it’s very tempting to spend a ton of time with each potential client that shows you some interest. After all, you don’t have much work, so it’s important that you try to get every client you can.
However, when you move past the beginning stage of freelancing, it’s important that you don’t waste time with the clients who aren’t serious about using your services, because that means lost time and productivity.
These kinds of clients are called tire kickers because they contact us knowing full well they don’t intend to use our services. Why do they do this? I don’t believe they really intend to waste our time, but are just sending out “maybe-kinda feelers.” As in, “I maybe-kinda want to do this project and if the price is super cheap, I maybe-kinda will buy.”
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About the author
Amber Weinberg specializes in clean and semantic XHTML, CSS and WordPress development. She has over 10 years of coding experience and is pretty cool to work with. Amber is available for freelance work, so why not hire her for your next project?
Although I know it’s argued about regularly, about a year ago I put information on my website about the cost of a typical, brochure ware website.
By doing so, I hoped to cut down on the “tire kickers”. And I have.
I also agree that of those who contact me, the one’s *least* likely to ever sign a contract are the ones who want me to “call them” or “meet them”. I use email almost exclusively for client contact, for several reasons, and have never had a good experience with those clients who want to conduct initial meetings by phone or in person.
Others, I know, have had different experiences. But this is what’s working for me at the moment.
Great article.
I also agree that of those who contact me, the one’s *least* likely to ever sign a contract are the ones who want me to “call them” or “meet them”. I use email almost exclusively for client contact, for several reasons, and have never had a good experience with those clients who want to conduct initial meetings by phone or in person.
+1