Scenario: I do some work for a client for a set price and get paid. Later the client will email me about something, usually requesting a small task or my asking my expertise on some minor issue.

I provide it because it doesn't take much time or effort, I want to stay on good terms with them and provide good customer service, and I hope it will lead to bigger (paying) jobs in the future.

What ends up happening is the client comes to expect these free services, and over time it starts to add up (especially with multiple clients doing this). They tend to become reluctant to start paying for something they were getting for free, and they are less likely to hire me for actual work.

How do I make it clear that I expect to be paid for work?

At what point should I have that conversation?

How much should I give away for free, if any?

Do I charge them a full hour for a 10 minute task?

I do some work for a client for a set price and get paid. Later the client will email me about something, usually requesting a small task or my asking my expertise on some minor issue.

I provide it because it doesn't take much time or effort, I want to stay on good terms with them and provide good customer service, and I hope it will lead to bigger (paying) jobs in the future.

What ends up happening is the client comes to expect these free services, and over time it starts to add up (especially with multiple clients doing this). They tend to become reluctant to start paying for something they were getting for free, and they are less likely to hire me for actual work.

• How do I make it clear that I expect to be paid for work?
• At what point should I have that conversation?
• How much should I give away for free, if any?
• Do I charge them a full hour for a 10 minute task?