7 ways to say ‘I’m not working for free’
Let’s be real, we need to eat and exposure isn’t a fulfilling meal. We all start somewhere and on the rare occasion, a pro bono project has led to bigger and greater opportunities. But, how often is that the case? It’s important and more beneficial as a collective if we advocate for adequate compensation for our time and effort, regardless of where we are in our journeys. Whether you’re being approached to work for free or a low fee, here are 7 ways to set boundaries and politely decline.
“Hey, we love your work and would love to collaborate. We could give you exposure.”
Response: Thank you for taking an interest in my work. However, I’m not able to take it on pro bono. I could send a quote for the services you need and let me know if it works for you.
“We want you to be apart of this really exciting project. We do have a small budget.”
Response: While I’m very interested in the project, unfortunately, I’m not able to work at a reduced rate. I could suggest services I provide that work within your budget.
“Hi, could I get your advice on…”
Response: Thank you for considering me as someone who could provide helpful advice. If you are interested in my services, I can provide you with information on my rates and availability. Alternatively, there may be other free resources available online that could help you.
“Your prices are a bit too high, could you lower them.”
Response: Thank you for considering my services. I strive to provide a quality service and my prices are set to reflect that. While I cannot lower my prices, I am open to discussing a payment plan or adjusting the scope of the project to better fit your budget.
“We just have one extra request…”
Response: As we agreed upon, our contract only covers the work outlined in the project scope. I’d be happy to work on the extra request for an additional fee. It will take X hours to finish and the additional cost would be £X.
“I love your product! If you send a sample I can promote it.”
Response: Thank you for your interest in our products! We aren’t able to offer free products at this time but would still love for you to be a customer. We could send you a unique discount code that you could use and share with your followers to earn commissions from sales.
“Oh you’re an artist… so you draw pictures? Can you draw me?”
Response: No.
To summarise, there may be scenarios where you’re happy to shed light on a topic or offer a product in exchange for promotion, but it’s important to remember that your time and skills are valuable. Saying "no" to unpaid work and time can be difficult, but by using these responses, you can set necessary boundaries and advocate for yourself.
