Buyer asking for freebies
Answered
Hi there,
I wondered if someone could give me some advice, as this has never happened to me before.
In talks with a buyer about a project I was asked whether I could provide free samples, based around the product descriptions they were looking at getting completed. The buyer stated the role was between me and 3 others, so they needed to check who was the best fit (despite me sending dozens of similar portfolio work). I wasn't convinced this was the best way to go, so checked on here and saw that it is actually against PPH rules to do this. I reported the buyer to PPH customer services quite a while ago and have heard nothing back. Not only that, but I then got a notification saying the client had awarded the job to someone else; obviously someone who was willing to work for free on the off-chance of getting some work.
What is annoying is that I've wasted a proposal credit, time trying to secure work with him, and then time writing to PPH customer services (and now here), whilst the buyer just gets away with breaking rules.
Is there anything in particular I should do or say in these situations? Especially as I've already had another person today ask if I would be willing to provide a free trial piece - is this becoming more commonplace?!
Many thanks in advance.
Rebecca
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I've already had another person today ask if I would be willing to provide a free trial piece
Never do it - or if you do make it unusable in a commercial situation.
Always report such requests to PPH.
is this becoming more commonplace?
Who knows? There have always been chancers and rip-off merchants on PPH amid the majority of honest buyers.
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My work is copywriting and I often get asked for samples of similar work on my Hourlies.
That's difficult because there's a huge risk they will simply adapt my copy and its also difficult to put examples in my portfolio, unlike say a designer, for the same reason.
I always respond to these requests by saying PPH advises against sending out examples, and asking them to check my profile and feedback and also reminding them that the funds are held inn escrow until they are happy.
A good percentage will buy the hourlie.
Occasionally after a longer dialogue on a stream I may send an example - it really is a judgement call - but this approach works well for me.
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