I prefer email. I agree about the paper trail, and I don't like taking notes on the phone (though I will). Unfortunately, most clients seem to prefer the phone, especially those who are not "email people."
The thing I hate about the phone is that clients will often:
1. just repeat word for word what they've already said in an email, telling me nothing new, wasting time
2. talk forever, wasting time
I have billed for phone time, but there are certain clients I have done flat-rate work for (until I figure out their penchant for long phone chats).
I think it's up to you whether or not to include your phone #, but as I mentioned, a lot of clients prefer the phone, so they may not email you.
I've read the comments, and in my experience refusing to give a phone number won't always work. For instance, I had one who wasn't online whatsoever (apparently God is opposed to the internet).
It's fine to be more selective once you're established, but when you're starting out, you have to be accommodating to clients. A novice designer who refuses to give a phone # when it's the client's preferred method of communication is walking on some thin ice.
I agree with you overall, though --- I would prefer to do everything through email. It's neat and convenient.
I have to agree with Frick on this one. Don't give out your number.
1) Your number may change. It's a bitch reprinting business cards down the road. 2) It's a cold call, 99% of the time they'll waste your time. 3) If they don't like the internet, there's a good chance that's red flag #1. 4) People can change their mind when it's a call. Email is a form of validity. 5) I can track your home address in about 5 minutes flat using the internet. (Had it happen). 6) If a cold call takes an hour to establish what they want, are you billing them for that hour? If you are, great, but if not, you should make them use their time wisely in an email. It takes 5 minutes to read an email.
The only pro is accessibility. However you will find more often than not, a client who knows you're reachable 100% of the time will demand 100% of your time. Pray to god it's not your cell phone. This is a rule, not an exception, clients will demand every penny (and then some) it will become a hassle.
email is great because it allows for a written record of accountability, however it has no personal touch, humor, or sensitivity. which is bad too.
the junior designer i manage never wants to talk on the phone or go chase down co-workers for answers on projects and is pretty common with many younger female designers i see.
my advice, just gotta deal with it and try not to be shy. believe in yourself.
as for the phone number, mo folks will want to talk to you to feel you out as a person and see your personality.
take your phone number off your site! for all of the reasons listed above!
my website has a contact form so they don't even know my contact info unless i choose to reply.
you always want a paper trail. if they don't like using your preferred contact method and want to force you to do something you don't want to do... do you really want to work with that client?
I used to have my phone number on my website but I took it down for privacy. My feeling is that if someone is looking at my website, they have access to e-mail right in front of them. If I apply for a job it is of course on my resume and if I apply through e-mail I make sure to list it in the e-mail so someone can call to set up an interview.
If you do business by phone, it is a good idea to send a follow-up e-mail right afterwards, restating what was said in the phone call.
Comments 13
The thing I hate about the phone is that clients will often:
1. just repeat word for word what they've already said in an email, telling me nothing new, wasting time
2. talk forever, wasting time
I have billed for phone time, but there are certain clients I have done flat-rate work for (until I figure out their penchant for long phone chats).
I think it's up to you whether or not to include your phone #, but as I mentioned, a lot of clients prefer the phone, so they may not email you.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
It's fine to be more selective once you're established, but when you're starting out, you have to be accommodating to clients. A novice designer who refuses to give a phone # when it's the client's preferred method of communication is walking on some thin ice.
I agree with you overall, though --- I would prefer to do everything through email. It's neat and convenient.
Reply
1) Your number may change. It's a bitch reprinting business cards down the road.
2) It's a cold call, 99% of the time they'll waste your time.
3) If they don't like the internet, there's a good chance that's red flag #1.
4) People can change their mind when it's a call. Email is a form of validity.
5) I can track your home address in about 5 minutes flat using the internet. (Had it happen).
6) If a cold call takes an hour to establish what they want, are you billing them for that hour? If you are, great, but if not, you should make them use their time wisely in an email. It takes 5 minutes to read an email.
The only pro is accessibility. However you will find more often than not, a client who knows you're reachable 100% of the time will demand 100% of your time. Pray to god it's not your cell phone. This is a rule, not an exception, clients will demand every penny (and then some) it will become a hassle.
My mistake is made, oh please don't make it!
J
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
the junior designer i manage never wants to talk on the phone or go chase down co-workers for answers on projects and is pretty common with many younger female designers i see.
my advice, just gotta deal with it and try not to be shy. believe in yourself.
as for the phone number, mo folks will want to talk to you to feel you out as a person and see your personality.
Reply
my website has a contact form so they don't even know my contact info unless i choose to reply.
you always want a paper trail. if they don't like using your preferred contact method and want to force you to do something you don't want to do... do you really want to work with that client?
Reply
If you do business by phone, it is a good idea to send a follow-up e-mail right afterwards, restating what was said in the phone call.
Reply
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