Negotiating quote - help please!

Sara Starling

Hi. I need help please!
If you quote for a job, are then asked to do it & think it will involve more work than originally indicated when you receive the final script, is it done to re-negotiate the rate, or is that a big no-no once you've quoted?
I await advice with baited breath....!
Thank you!

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 13:18 (GMT) Post subject:

Sara,

If they didn't indicate script length at first then there may be some wiggle room. If they did, well, I think you are bound to that quote. Imagine getting quotes for some housework and then they change it up after you make your decision. Personally, I'd feel very awkward re-quoting a client. Don't worry, I'm new at this too--just chalk it up to experience and move on.

Cheers,
Cameron

Robert Jadah · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 13:25 (GMT) Post subject:

Personally, Sara, I too think you're stuck with your quoted price unless the client obviously and blatantly misled you in the original description.
If you're adamant about wanting to charge more - or bailing on the project - you could claim that the original quote obviously didn't include a 50% buy-out, or a $100 studio fee.
But that's really kind of sleazy, so I vote for grinning and bearing.

Waffle On!

Sara Starling · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 13:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks very much for your help, greatly appreciated. I agree with you both, but thought it worth checking.
Am intending to charge an hourly rate for any requested re-takes (apart from errors pertaining to deviation from script). Does that sound ok?
They want a lot for they dosh so far, so this first job via 123 is definitely a learning experience for me!

Robert Jadah · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 14:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Yup; that sounds like a very fair compromise.
Now go ACE IT.
As Amy Snively chants: Never Suck!

Voice On!

Lynne Alston · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 14:39 (GMT) Post subject:

Congrats Sara on landing your 1st job with v123, can I ask which one? Hope you'll post it when finished.

Lynne

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 14:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Kudos on the job Sara!

All of my submissions include this phrase:
Pricing negotiable based on full project specifications.

In fact, sometimes my actual price quote is "Negotiable based on full spec" (when they're being vague). This is something TOS dosen't allow for (number-only quotes over there...)

Small but powerful,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Sara Starling · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 15:00 (GMT) Post subject:

Thank you, thank you - I am learning all the time!
I think I'll be putting an awful lot down to experience with this job, but I guess you don't find out what you don't know until you do it!

Colin Campbell · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 17:15 (GMT) Post subject:

Happened to me once. Script length was doubled at the last minute. As much as it soured my stomach I thought the quickest way to get past this is JUST DO IT. I did it, he paid and life goes on.

When I am asked... "do you charge for re-takes?" I tell them this...

My fee includes retakes within reason unless the script changes substantially in meaning or length.

Funny thing is, on one job, I was considering charging $200 but at the last minute, I quoted $300. I was asked if it included revisions. I thought for $300, hell yeah. I did the script and he said... PERFECT, NO REVISIONS. So there ya go.

I try to price it such that I don't mind the revisions.

Sara Starling · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 18:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Gulp!
I have now received the final script, & as happened to you, it is double the length of the original. Because the original rate was low for a fair amount of work , I feel I have no choice but to renegotiate for what now amounts to loads & loads! I fear I have to draw the line here. If it was all a bit shorter & less time consuming, I'd grin & bear it, but this is just beyond....

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 19:11 (GMT) Post subject:

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 19:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Well, at this point, you can just be honest and admit you didn't fully realize the scope of the project and politely explain how much work is really involved. Re-quoting may be a risk but if you show them your general pricing guides, then they may understand and perhaps even still accept it. Have something to back up your side rather than what may seem to them an arbitrary price.

Good luck and cheers,
Cameron

Sara Starling · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007, 19:19 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks for all your help.
I've politely pointed out that my quote was based on the original script & that I'm sure they'll understand as it's now doubled in duration, I have no option but to re-negotiate.
I haven't mentioned any new figures yet, will see how they respond first.
But quite frankly, they're "'avin' a larf"....!
Boy am I learning the hard way! Thank goodness for all your support on the forum!

Debbie Deutsch · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2007, 18:46 (GMT) Post subject:

Sara, I was thrilled to hear you landed your first GIG, but now feel bad for you that it has become a bit of a hassle!! Use it as a learning experience, and really, the client should understand if they are professional in any way. Doubling a script?? Of course they should understand...let's hope they do and you start a terrific relationship with them!! Good LUCK!!

Deby Cedars · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2007, 20:32 (GMT) Post subject:

I think you made the right choice. Keep us posted as to what happens. Very Happy