Hi:

I think it might be a little off-topic but I hope folks can brain-storm and give me some idea.

I got a qualified prospect. Her mother, and her monther-in-law are all my clients (web design). Now she want a website design, affordable one. Suppose I asked for $2000, but she can only afford $1000 now. She doesn't have credit card because she is planning to buy a new house.

For $1000 I can still make a small profit. I was wondering how will you do to set up a payment plan for the rest $1000?

What I can think of now is, asking her to pay extra $50 month as hosting fee, or even just charge $50/mon as hosting until she pays it off?

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

Yi

Because it is a qualified prospect, and not an existing customer with a track record I would proceed with caution.

If you are "ok" with the fact you may never get more than the $1k, then do it. If on the other hand, you would run here and rant bacause you got stiffed for the balance, pass it by.

Bob

Or you could just charge her the $1,000 and charge $ for site updates. Im sure she would appreciate it, so it could even help you get more clients if she knows people...

What good are more clients that only yield "small profits." That's what you'll get if the word-of-mouth is how cheap you are. Better to have one client from whom you turn a profit, than a bunch where do barely better than breaking even. Bottom line is, if your fee is $2K, then this one can't afford you. Period. The "I don't have a credit card because I'm gonna buy a house" excuse is pretty lame. I've had credit cards both times I bought homes. I'd pass on her, unless she ponies up.

If your fee is $2k, then your fee is $2k !
No point taking a 50% discount.

However if you can up something like 1/3 up front, 1/3 on delivery and 1/3 90 days later ... you fee is still 2k and you have a nice business model to follow.

Combine maybe with say 10% discount for putting a banner/button advertsing you on the site, or maybe offer a referral system, where they get back $100 for every customer they bring in ...

Lots of ways to get the $2k directly or through other business.

No "joint" venture you can do with them (not knowing what biz they want 2 grands worth of design work for) but if say a hairdresser, do it for 1k + a poster ad/bizcard dispenser in the salon and free haircuts ...