Is it worth it? (are freelancers "marketing savvy"

Jamie H · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 10

Hello,

I signed up with the guest account, largely because I'd hoped to see the bid history on posted leads. I'm trying to determine if premium is worth it or not.

I wanted to know if there are 50+ "bids" for $5.00 on projects that couldn't possibly be real low-ball potential as there are on other freelance places I've seen with "no minimum".

Apparently, this information isn't available? Is it available to premium members only?

I do freelance software design sometimes and have observed very few software freelancers actually know what the low-ball approach is. The only way I can see a low-ball actually work in software is if you're able to deny the client access to source code. I suspect these people are confusing low-ball with "undercut".

However, I could see it working here, especially for people who are not ethical, have the type of voice that demands their services from the client in the future and do not wish the client to give them references. (well, bad references maybe LOL)

I've read this forum and hear there is "low-balling" taking place, thats OK, I can work with that. What I'd really like to know is, is it a real "low-ball" or just people asking a super cheap price?

The funny thing is, if you build software or do work for a business, particularly someone involved with sales, there is a high probability the other person knows a fair bit more about the low-ball tactic than the freelancer, it's a dangerous game.

So.. is it the same game here as it is with software? Do the so-called low-ballers actually know what a low-ball is?

Colin Campbell · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007, 13:24 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm not sure I understand the question. I know that I was a member at a site for writers once that was obscene. People responding to write articles for $5.

It's not quite that bad here. There are occaisional laughable leads but they aren't really the majority.

Plus I think a major difference here is we are not really "bidding" so much. A budget is laid out by the talent seeker and we can decide if it is worth responding to. I presume that the higher priced budgets get more talented responses. I'm sure there are people responding way "under budget" but I imagine their respective talent leaves a lot to be desired.

I know that at one time way back when, I responded under the client's budget and was alerted by 123 that possibly I should have quoted higher. It was only one job and the budget at the time just seemed so high.

I've since learned to accept the client's budget and if I think it's fair (or even high) to bid in that range or delete the lead if it's too low.

Jamie H · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 10

Colin Campbell · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007, 13:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Most people at least make their $200 back, but it takes diligence.

Anthony Williams · **Voice Talent** Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 663

Jamie,

Colin is correct when he says it takes constant effort. If the talent is there Jamie, $200.00 is nothing. You'll get that back and then some

Thanks

Grant Holmes · **Voice Talent** Joined: 02 Oct 2006 Posts: 265

I have been looking at my $200 as entrance into the ability to be forced to practice often each day (answering leads). While I DO want to "get my money back" and more, I also need to sharpen the old saw.

I recently spent a couple bucks on my studio as I could tell that my setup was causing me to fall short in what others were hearing that I couldn't hear due to my speaker/headphone set up.

I wouldn't have known without practicing and getting feedback. I'm taking each little critical snippet and honing the skills. That ALONE is worth the $200 in fees.

Jamie H · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 10

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317