Words to send · Pricing
How to quote a project by email
One message with the scope, the price, the deposit and the date, then the link to accept. “The brand identity is $5,000, half up front, delivered by March 24” is a quote. A range and “let me know what you think” is the start of a negotiation.
When to send it: Within two days of the call, while they still remember why they wanted it.
The message
Hi Sam, Thanks for the call on Tuesday. Here’s what I’d do: A logo, a color palette and a one-page style guide, in two rounds of changes. Work starts on March 3, and everything is delivered by March 24. The price is $5,000. Half, $2,500, is paid when you accept, and the rest when it’s delivered. The link below has all of this and the agreement. Accepting it books your start date. Maya
Shorter
Hi Sam, the brand identity is $5,000: logo, palette and style guide, two rounds, delivered March 24. Half up front holds your start date. The link to accept is below. Maya
Why it works
- One number. A range invites the client to pick the bottom of it.
- The deposit is framed as holding the date, which is what it does.
- The scope is listed, so “can you also” has something to be compared with.
What not to say
- “Let me know your budget.” You priced the work; say the price.
- Several options with different prices, when they asked for one thing.
- Attaching a long PDF with the price on page four.