What to ask

Keep your soft skills in check

The process of negotiating with web designers is very simple but you still have to keep your social graces intact. You can not simply go up to a web designer and ask him or her how much your service costs. This is very degrading and it gives off the impression that you can buy him or her. The process of website development is a profession and a web designer must be treated as a professional just like all other professions out there. When you talk to a web designer or a web design firm, you should introduce yourself as politely as possible. You should make your intentions clear. As much as possible, it would be good if you have your list of requirements on paper so that the web designer can review it as you speak.

Are you capable?

Once you are in a good rapport with the web designer, a sensitive question that you must ask is if the web designer or the web design company is capable of delivering your requirements. Why is this question a sensitive question? First, if you say it in a wrong tone, you might be giving off the impression that the web designer is not good enough for the project. Second, if you do not ask the question properly, the web designer might give you the wrong answers. The best way to ask if the web designer is capable is to ask if he or she has any experience in a project similar to yours. If the answer is a yes then you likely have a service provider already. If the answer is a no then you might have to ask more detailed questions like his or her skills and background.

How much will this cost?

The next question to ask is another very sensitive question but a necessary one. How much will this cost? It would be good if you already have an idea of how much your project is but allow the web designer to give you a quote on it. Both of you can negotiate on the price anyway. If your price estimates are very far from each other then the chances of the website development taking place is very slim. Sometimes, you should either be willing to give in at a higher price or you should be willing to look for another web designer out there. Whatever you think is your decision.