In our weekly installment of Clients from Hell, a hilarious collection of anonymously contributed client horror stories from designers, we present to you, “Imaginary Competition.” For previous posts, click here.
A friend of a friend contacted me about doing some wedding invitations , envelopes, and other pieces for her. This was my first job, so my prices were very modest.
Client: I want my invitations to be baseball themed. Just like these.
Client sends me photos of rough, but easily creatable layouts.
Me: Okay no problem. I’ll only charge $x an hour, and since these are simple it shouldn’t take me very long at all.
Client: That’s a lot more than I was expecting. I know a guy who can do these for a flat rate of (less than x).
Me: I’m sorry, I can’t compete with that. If you trust his design skill, I’d take up that offer.
Client: I can’t.
Me: Why not?
Client: He won’t do them for me.