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Subject:Returned mail: User unknown (fwd) From:Melissa Alton <maalton -at- UNITY -dot- NCSU -dot- EDU> Date:Thu, 11 Dec 1997 12:28:08 -0500
>
> I need some advice on how to deal with prospective clients who offer
> insulting hourly rates.
>
> i interviewed with a manufacturing commpany in NC who needs a tech writer
> for software documentation. I spent half a day with them looking over the
> software that needs to be documented and had 2 interviews with them.
>
> last night they called me and offered $10 an hour. $10!!!
>
> The people I interviewed with where programmer's and a programming
> manager. One of the programmers made a manual before so he has an idea of
> how much work goeds into one...
>
> This company has a backlog of documents that need to be done...so if I
> could work with them I would have lots to do for a long time. And it
> would be great experience because this would be my first contracting
> job. i work full-time and this would just be a side thing.
>
> But i refuse to do it for $10!!! (Im doing some proofreading on the side
> for another company for $15).
>
> So i told the guy last night that there was no way i could possibly write
> this manual for $10/hr. he said that he would tell his boss and see what
> he says and call me back.
>
> I'm afradi if he calls back with a counteroffer it'll be something like
> $15/hr. i wont take anything less than $25/hr and thats just because I'm
> so new at this. if they hired someone from an agency they'd be paying at
> least $40...
>
> So how do I explain to these guys that their offers are insulting,
> without insulting them by telling them???
>
> TIA,
> Melissa
>
>
>