Free Samples? I Don’t Think So
I am amazed by the amount of potential clients that insist on getting a free sample before they will commit to hiring. I see this a lot on bidding sites specifically but I know it is every bit as rampant in the writer for hire community.
I totally understand that someone wants to see what they’re getting before they pay for it. As a consumer of goods, I’d like that as well. As a consumer though, I can generally return something for some kind of a refund if I’m not happy. That’s reasonable and a whole hell of a lot more likely than the store saying, “You’re unsure? Go ahead and just take it home without paying. If you don’t like it, just keep it.” Whenever a writer gives their work away for free, that is exactly what they are doing.
Imagine going into a store and asking for that same scenario. They’d either laugh you out of the store or have security escort you away from the premises.
So as writers, why do we do this? I’ll venture a couple of things. We do it because competition is tough and we want the eventual business. We also do it because well, that’s the way it’s always been done. Malarkey, says I. It doesn’t have to be that way. As writers, we need to collectively grow a pair and say that enough is enough. The tail has been wagging the dog for way too long.
How about this? Instead of just giving away a free sample, we offer to send them an article they can use, charged at our going rate. Once payment has been received, the article will be forwarded and they can determine if your style/chops are what they can use. If they decide to decline, they will receive a full refund. Savvy writers will engage in this only after the potential client signs a contract stipulating that if the services are declined, they will return the work and will not use the article in any manner.
The only problem I can see here is that us writers are a hungry lot and the competition is fierce. All it takes is one or two to not play the game and the gig is up. With new freelance writers entering the fray every day, it would admittedly be tough to get everyone on board with this concept. I wonder if this should stop us from trying. Speaking for myself, I’d be willing to take the hit if it meant that I have the chance of impacting this tendency we have of shooting ourselves in the foot.
Are there other ways of accomplishing the same thing? I know that what I usually offer up first are links to my published work. Seems reasonable to me that they should be able to get a sense of my ability through things I’ve written previously. I know that some potential clients want to see something specific to what they are looking for and in those instances maybe the paid for sample is the way to go.
What has your experience been with providing free samples? How often does this lead to landing the job?
About the Author: A writer living in Alaska. A simple man with few passions: My daughter, writing, soccer and now and then a good cigar.
Lillie Ammann | Feb 28, 2012 | Reply
George,
I agree that writers shouldn’t give away free samples. If you have a portfolio of published articles, they should give the prospective client a good idea of your writing skills. Newer writers without published credits may want to write some articles for a portfolio to demonstrate their work or perhaps submit articles to an article directory to have samples available. Clients should certainly be able to read some of the writer’s work, but there’s no reason for it to be writing done just for the client.
On the other hand, I always give a free sample edit for prospective editing clients. That is as much for my benefit as the client’s. No two editing projects are alike—some of the projects I work on require major rewriting and some not much more than proofreading. The only way I know what the job will entail is to see a sample of the work, and the only way I can be sure the client will be happy with my editing is to edit that sample. I’d much rather do a free five-page edit of a novel and find out the client doesn’t like my work than to take on a project that won’t be good for either of us. Also, I use the sample to determine what to charge for the work.
George Angus | Feb 29, 2012 | Reply
Hi Lillie,
So nice to see you here. Thanks for contributing.
I hadn’t thought about the logistics in terms of editing projects. I think your points there are valid. In fact, you’ve given me a bit to think about. I really love your point about the sample being a basis for what to charge.
Cheers
George
Steve | Feb 29, 2012 | Reply
George:
The moment a prospective client asks me for a free sample, I tell them I don’t work that way, and to find another writer.
Steve
George Angus | Feb 29, 2012 | Reply
Hi Steve,
Typically, that is my response as well. If there are extenuating circumstances I may consider a sample, but those cases are rare.
George
Mark | Feb 29, 2012 | Reply
The only sample anyone’s getting off me will be yellow and in a test tube.
Pee-hee. I mean tee-hee.
tumblemoose | Feb 29, 2012 | Reply
Mark, there’s a blog post in there somewhere, I just know it!
G
John | Mar 15, 2012 | Reply
Another great post George.
@Mark, your comment is awesome…
OK George, this is what I think.
First off the bat is NO FREE work. If the client is looking at hiring your service, then he must have good reason to, & that means it is not to receive content for free. Let’s not forget, most companies these days have budgets for this sort of thing.
If you are new to writing & the intimidating client wants a post sample for free, then maybe you could send them the link to a few samples that are in use already. Please remember that lots of content written is either ghost-written or can not be disclosed.
Rather than working for free, i’d like to see the writer get paid for each piece they do. The client can then decide if they want to order more or not. Either way i’m sure that the writer will want to impress & have a returning happy client.
Newbies may have to battle with a few clients to get themselves established, but as soon as you have a few good testimonials then succumb to this tactic NO more…
The busier you become the less time you have for freebies or tire kickers, raise your price & stand tall, be proud of what you do. Good quality written content is in high demand, & comes at a reasonable price…
John