We Need A Retainer
Over the past six years or so I have readily helped clients and friends with small projects free of charge. Now that I'm providing web consulting services full time this is no longer possible.
If we're in a pub having a beer then I would happily chat with you about web technology. I really enjoy it.
However, if you want me to assist you with your projects then I need to get paid. Here are some of the requests I've received from people, who don't host nor have other services with me, over the past 10 days or so:
- quickly install gd
- I can't access my server, whats wrong?
- I need rsync. Can you install it on my server?
- the videos need to convert at higher quality, can you fix that?
- do I need a separate database server?
In order to provide exceptional service to clients I can no longer afford to spend time helping people free of charge. Please respect that information is a valuable part of my service offerings.
Below is the email that I shall be sending in response to all support/consulting requests from people who continually expect services free of charge.
Hello and thanks for your email,
I would very much like to assist you with your ongoing or one off technical support and consulting needs. For me to assist you we need a retainer in place, or if you prefer we can agree an amount of time at our hourly rate to work on the assignment. Retainers are the best way for us to provide you with cost effective and prompt assistance.
You can view our current retainer and hourly rates here: http://www.incero.com/current-rates.
Feel free to call me on the number below if you have any queries regarding our retainer, hourly, or project pricing options. I will be happy to assist you.
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Kind Regards,
Gordon Pagehttp://www.Incero.com
USA: (512) 394 8803
UK: 0208 123 5338
March 4th, 2009 - 23:09
I have to admit I am that crap.
Sorry Gordon – I have the gear but no idea.
Sometimes I think I’m getting better.
Gordon – Did I ever tell you I ran an IT project after running pubs for JDW; I really will try harder.
That said I think I may not be the worst.
March 4th, 2009 - 23:21
Not at all Rich, this certainly does not apply to you. Not only are you a paying customer, but also a friend. I’m always happy to help.
This blog post is only meant as a friendly reminder to those who I have discussed the issue with and offered a retainer service but have refused and continue to ask for help.
I look forward to catching up with you on a sunny afternoon in France with a beer sometime. I.T. certainly beats working in the bar!
March 5th, 2009 - 04:02
I used to have plenty of these “clients” also. I shook them off when things started getting serious with my business, just like you. It is the best thing I ever did.
If your clients don’t appreciate that your time is valuable then you really shouldn’t be wasting your time helping them.
There are plenty of businesses who once they find you will stick with you regardless of your rates as long as you provide a good service. Having worked with you, I’m sure that providing a great level service wont be an issue for you.
Keep focusing on the valuable clients, don’t even think twice about the broke or unappreciative ones.