Getting a reply from a prospective client is cause to celebrate! You’re a step closer to nailing the project.
But wait, what’s this? A trial article? Without payment?
Seeing “We require a quick unpaid sample” is enough to dampen any celebrations, especially if everything has seemed normal up until that point.
Now you’re at a crossroads and must decide: say no or take the risk.
This is a tough decision, and I’m here to help. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to handle a client asking for free sample work, why this is usually a bad sign, and how you can respond.
Why a Client Asking for Free Samples Is a Freelance Red Flag
Most seasoned freelancers will know that a client asking for free samples is an immediate red flag.
Any respectful client with a functioning business will have enough cash to pay for test articles.
But if you’re new to the industry, you might be tempted to complete the task to secure a job and get some experience.
I’ve completed unpaid samples before as a green freelancer, yet I wouldn’t touch them now—not because I’m experienced, but because I learned the hard way.
Let me tell you, it stings a lot to create a free 1,000-blog to prove your worth and then be ghosted on Upwork. (Yes, of course, it happened on Upwork!)
Think of it this way. Your potential client may have asked ten freelancers for free blogs. If they all comply, that’s ten free blogs and no need to pay a penny.
Asking For Free Samples Is Bad Because…
A client who requests free samples isn’t one you want to connect with. Here are a few quick reasons to help you see the woods from the trees:
- They either don’t respect your time or don’t understand how long writing takes — both aren’t great
- They’re trying to make money off your unpaid labor
- They want to see proof of your skills before investing — yet somehow don’t trust your portfolio or website
- They’re a scammer. Simple as!
But Samples and Tests Are Normal In The Creative Industry
It’s not a lie. In the creative industry (or any job application process) you may need to complete tasks in the application process.
But (and this is a big one), it’s not good practice for freelancers. It’s rarely worth the risk.
- It devalues your skills
- Lowers rates for everyone in the industry
- Takes away paid time
- Lowers your client expectations
Here’s a genuine message I’ve received on Upwork about a free trial.
I provided three niche-specific examples and sent them over my website portfolio.
Yet they want a free sample and they “guarantee” it won’t be used on their website.
But they haven’t shared their web address with me, and word of mouth isn’t enough proof! Who knows where the sample would end up.
To make me even more confident in writing the free sample, they also asked what the minimum rate I could charge with a regular workload was. AKA asking me to lower my rates.
This is textbook bad client behavior—sure, everyone wants a good deal, but the old “we have lots of regular work” line just means you’ll end up being a busy fool.
At the end of the day, “Free samples” and “Best rate for regular work” are red flags that should make you run a mile.
Especially if you’re on Upwork or Fiverr. Sorry!
How To Respond to a Free Sample Request
Have you received a free sample request?
While the elusive promise of future collaboration may sound appealing, potential doesn’t pay the bills.
Here’s how to handle these “opportunities” in three steps.
- Send over your shining portfolio. This shows the client your high-quality work, and from this will be enough for genuine clients to assess your skills.
- Counter with a “trial offer”. Shift the conversation from a free sample to a paid trial project to see if you’re a good fit. Serious clients will be interested — time wasters won’t.
- Know when to politely say no. Spending time creating a bespoke free sample is often sabotage. You can spend this time winning clients who are happy to spend! If the red flags are there, know your worth and walk away.
The best way to know what to do is to genuinely consider your gut feeling.
If you’re Googling “Client asking for free samples freelance” rather than saying an excited yes, you likely know this isn’t a good idea already.
Protecting Your Worth as a Freelancer
As a freelancer, protecting your worth means setting boundaries and valuing your time.
I get it.
In those quiet times, writing a sample to bag some paid work sounds tempting. However, you must avoid unpaid samples, communicate your rates clearly, and offer trial projects instead.
Following these steps navigates you to clients who respect you and are more likely to offer long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. The kind of ones you want.
Remember, your skills deserve fair compensation. Freebies aren’t fun!
Want to know more? Get to grips with the realities of freelance life today on The Freelance Balance blog.
Have you experienced this problem? Tell me how you deal with free samples in the comments below!