To ask you to help with a response

[Letthenamesbegin]

Arghhh... this is probably more of a rant than a real aibu but need cheering up. I do some work for a client who, as I’ve worked with him a long time gets a hugely discounted rate - he knows this. He’s forever asking for “can you just” type things which I usually do, however today it was a step too far and I said - yes but I’ll need to charge you (it involved travelling plus an hour meeting that he wanted for free). His reaction “oh well I was going to give you more work but hey ho if you can’t help out”. Now I know for a fact this is bullshit - but am gritting my teeth to stop myself from replying “grow up - that type of tactic would barely work on a three year old - and I don’t want more work from you - you pay peanuts” but for the sake of professionalism - can anyone come up with something that gets this point across in a nicer way?

I’d just say “no problem, thanks very much”

People like this are just serial changers

“No problem at all. In the interests of transparency, going forward I’ll ensure that all my work is noted on a timesheet for you and billable per hour.”

Chancers even

Dear chancer client, my normal hourly rate is £x and I usually charge you the lower rate of £y so as you can see, any extra hours and/or travelling will need to be charged for. I do hope that clarifies the situation regarding my fees.

so cough up or bog off, it's up to you

Lots of love, Lett.

Oddly the chancer thing I can cope with (it’s pretty usual in my line of work) it’s more the throwing the toys of out the pram with the “I had work for you but now I’m not giving you any” which has irked me. No you don’t, and this tactic is ridiculous

I'm sorry you feel that way but you're being unreasonable expecting me to work for such a reduced rate. I value our relationship but I also need to earn a living and won't be shamed into giving my time for free. If you don't value my professional services then let me know and I will look for other clients.

That’s the bit I want to address, though in reality I should ignore it

So something like “I assumed that this meeting was for x,y and z as discussed and am very surprised you hadn’t given a brief for this new work you require as part of the agenda” or some such. Sadly I wouldn’t be able to take on such -nonexistent- work at your usual rate

Strikethrough fail there

Call his bluff.

Hi Tightarse,

Sorry to hear you have changed your mind.

As discussed I would need to invoice you for these particular requirements due to the travelling and additional preparation work for the meeting. Of course I am always happy to discuss other projects you have in mind, but understand if you wish to look elsewhere.

Currently I charge you the discounted rate of X due to our close business relationship, which is below market value and a generous discount, and I’m happy to offer it due to your repeat business. However if you are unhappy with the additional costs perhaps this arrangement will no longer be beneficial to you, and we can revert to my standard rate. Happy to discuss.

Yeah, ignore it, he doesn't mean it - just a bit of posturing. And if he does mean it, who wants to work some of the time for nothing anyway?

He'll soon see the error of his ways once he's tried (and failed) to get anyone to do it cheaper.

"It's entirely your business decision who you hire.
What a good thing it is for me that so many others can see what good value I offer."

I'm sorry to hear that you don't feel you will be able to offer me the work you had planned. As a valued and longstanding client, I offer you a greatly reduced rate but I do have to consider my costs, my business and work I have scheduled for other clients. This means I cannot work on an unpaid basis and at short notice.

I’d call his bluff right back

“Best of luck with your business I’m the future, it’s been a pleasure working with yoU”

I'd tell him that's no problem at all as you're far too busy to take on any more work for the foreseeable anyway.

Send SparkleSocks email.

I think I’d want to say “Good luck with finding someone else who will do as good a job as I do AND will give you as big a discount as I do!!”^ - that might not be the diplomatic reply, though.

"No problem; do get back in touch if I can help with future projects"

Simple, unemotive, professional, and keeps the door open if he repents of his ways.

I'd send warriors reply . It's to the point and leaves the door open

Hi,

That's fine, I can fit in another client that will pay full rate in the time you use then I'll be better off.

Thanks for your underpaid custom in the past.

Yours, Let.

Probably not diplomatic enough though.

I like warriors reply.