For most clients, the design of an app, website, or even a physical product is as important as its functionality and quality. Design affects the brand’s image and market perception. With design being so critical, clients can be demanding and particular. Today we will show you a guide with excellent tips on how to negotiate prices and sell design ideas to skeptical clients.
Tips for Negotiate Your Ideas & Prices with Skeptical Clients
1- Prepare to Negotiate With Skeptical Clients
Too many designers rush to pitch their ideas without proper planning. The designer often feels they can answer all questions on the fly and need no special preparations. However, the sales pitch rarely passes without question. Not only will the client have questions, but they may also have their ideas.
Often, clients will not see why you think your approach solves their problem. In comparison, the client’s predefined idea may seem so much better to them. Clients may show skepticism about whether your concept offers any advantages.
Be ready to counter common clients’ demands if their ideas don’t fit your concept. Come to the meeting prepared for follow-up negotiations after your first pitch.
2- Ask and Listen to Learn How to sell Your Design Ideas
Active listening is one of the top skills taught in the best negotiation classes. When you listen, you do more than show respect to the client and their input. You can gain extra insights into the client’s desires and fears by listening.
When clients talk about themselves or their ideas, their body releases dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that causes us to feel happy. We engage with others differently and are far more likely to buy when happy. So, make your clients buy your services by listening to them discuss their ideas.
Asking relevant questions shows you are paying close attention. Guided questioning shows your design ideas are well thought out, with the client’s goals in mind. For example, ask about the client’s color preferences and how the color palette fits the client’s corporate colors.
As you ask and listen, repeat what your client says to confirm your understanding of their viewpoint. Affirmations prepare you to align your design ideas with the client’s needs.
3- Be Confident With Skeptical Clients
How you express yourself can either persuade or dissuade your client. Be confident in your skills and your design. Project a strong belief in the value you offer. Negotiation classes can prepare you to confidently express the value you deserve, especially when under pressure. Rehearsing your pitch or presentation builds both confidence and competence.
Avoid showing your insecurities to the client. Focus on building your confidence without coming off as arrogant or aggressive. Clients buy based on their emotions and then backward rationalize their decision afterward. Since your emotions are contagious, embody the emotions you wish your client to share.
4- Write Down Key Points
Take notes when your client is concerned about or outright objects to your design ideas. Be sure also to note down what you both agree on. Highlighting where you agree allows you to regain a collaborative footing with your client. When clients can see where your ideas align, they can feel more confident about ideas they may initially be skeptical about.
Writing down objections and agreements also makes keeping track of the conversation easier. You can use your written notes to improve your design or fortify your ideas. If there will be follow-up negotiations, a written summary reminds you where you left off. The written points work to confirm agreements.
5- Expect to Compromise
Quite often, designers are unwavering about changing their design ideas. Design professionals sometimes defend their ideas to the last pixel, even when the client wants to negotiate changes. They mainly defend their ideas because they already put much thought and effort into every aspect before presenting the design idea to the client. Allowing clients to make too many changes also risks the project going beyond the initial scope and budget.
However, implementing one or two of your skeptical clients’ ideas can work to persuade a skeptic. Avoid making too many concessions that will cost you or which you think may compromise your service. Frequent or too many changes can increase doubt about the value of your ideas rather than sway a skeptic. Granting too many changes may come across as a lack of forethought.
Also, for every concession that costs you time or money, try to trade something of equal value from your client. Attending a negotiation class teaches you how to exchange value for equal value. For instance, if the change requires much more effort and time, ensure you negotiate for extra pay.
6- Reduce Client Risks
It’s essential to show your clients you’re working in their best interests. Make your client believe in your good faith by reducing client risks. With this guide tips on how to negotiate prices and sell design ideas to skeptical clients, you learn how to reduce customers’ risk by:
- Being transparent in how you came up with the design idea.
- Offering limited-time support after selling the design.
- Providing enforceable guarantees.
- Showing that you understand the client’s business goals.
- Being responsive to client communication and concerns.
- It is accessible.
7- Present Many Ideas to Negotiate With Skeptical Clients
Often, designers make the mistake of presenting only one idea. Usually, this limits the client to only two options: to say “yes” or “no.” Showing alternative designs increases the client’s choices. It’s in your interest to have your client choose between your competing ideas rather than selecting your competition.
Offering many design ideas may lead to brainstorming with your client. Instead of a straight “no,” the client can pick the design they like best. The client can even tell you what they like in one concept and what they like in another. Brainstorming sessions like these can lead to a hybrid design that your skeptical client may be more amenable to.
Final Words About Negotiate Design Skeptical Clients
In conclusion, always be ready to guide your customers through your reasoning. Explain why your idea meets the customer’s specific needs. We hope this guide with excellent tips on how to negotiate prices and sell design ideas to skeptical clients has been of help to you!
