As a relatively new designer, I met with a client in order to create a logo and a series of brochures. At the meeting, the clients told me:
Client: “Eventually, we’ll want you to create our website.”
Being a newbie and wanting to nab the client, I lowballed the cost for the branding so that I could get the website. After sending a proposal for the site, they told me:
Client: “This isn’t in our budget right now, but you’ll definitely design this for us eventually.”
Over time, I was asked to do other assignments for their business. They expected me to do it at the same rate that I had initially proposed. I delivered good designs in a timely fashion and dirt cheap. They were always happy with my work, which is why they kept coming back to me.
A year later, the client started making noise about getting a new website. As per their request, I sent a revised proposal for the website and was assured by the manager that I would definitely design their website, as they loved my work.
After a few weeks of not hearing from them, I inquired. I was told by the administrative assistant (and daughter of the managers):
Administrative Assistant: “Oh, I’m designing the website.”
Moral of the story? If you price yourself like dirt, you’ll be treated like it.