#freelance-gigs
For posting freelance opportunities. Plz post freelance gigs here → <https://airtable.com/shrnaj45n9yge6xOt> (If you want to post that you're looking for work, post in <#C02RGHQ4HK7|hire-me>)
Thread
How ethical is it for prospects to ask for samples before revealing they don't have the budget for writers? Had this happen quite often. They'd usually ask for samples [prob assuming I don't have experience in that specific field] and when you show them the goods, they're like "These are some great pieces. We don't have a budget right now for freelance writers and work with volunteer writers."
I mean, it feels crappy. I guess my question is how did this request initiate? Was it from outreach? Did you reply to a posting?
Annoying but I don’t think it crosses the line into “unethical”
Unethical would be asking you to write a sample for them and then taking your writing and using it on their site. (true story, I learned a hard lesson there). But, I wouldn't say it's unethical to ask to see your samples and say they don't need writers right now. If anything, it's just annoying.
I'd say it's irritating rather than unethical. Like, wasting time but not unethical.
That depends. Are you writing test pieces for them or just sending them clips? You definitely shouldn't write test pieces unless you're getting paid.
Oh that's a good point.
Also, what clients are you prospecting? Are they non-profits, or businesses with 50-100 employees? If it's happening a lot, you should probably focus on a different niche.
It's not ethical at all. Assuming we're all operating in the real world, where money is necessary to live, it's a waste of everyone's time. My advice is to be direct with clients where you suspect this might be the case. Ask them: " What is your budget for this blog post series. This will help me determine if and how we may be able to help you."