The client who wanted me to work for "exposure" at a local coffee shop

Met this guy at a coffee shop in Austin last spring. He saw me working on my laptop and walked over to tell me his startup needed a logo. Said he couldn't pay cash but could offer me "great exposure" on his Instagram page with like 200 followers. I asked him if his landlord accepted exposure for rent money and he got all red in the face. Then he tried to guilt me by saying it would be a "fun side project" and I should be grateful for the chance. I just closed my laptop and told him my hourly rate. He left real quick after that. Anyone else get ambushed like this in public?

2 comments

2 Comments

miller.paul6d ago

That "show me your last client's engagement stats" line is gold, I read that same tip somewhere and it's perfect for weeding out the fakers. These guys always get so flustered when you call them on their bluff, like they didn't just try to pay you in imaginary internet points.

king.dakota6d ago

Real pros know that "exposure" doesn't pay a single bill. You handled it exactly right by shutting that down fast - those types count on you being polite and uncomfortable. Next time try saying "show me your last client's engagement stats" and watch them freeze up.