I hate spec work. Spec work is work that is performed for free, in the hope of getting paid if the “client” likes it. Spec work is a huge problem that formerly was confined to only the most desperate, untalented web design firms. But now, thanks to a tanked economy in many areas and unscrupulous clients who are asking for it, it’s spreading to design firms who should know better. Some say web design companies who submit spec work to a potential client are “showing initiative”. The reality is, they’re showing that they believe their time and ideas- the very things they sell to clients- are worthless.
Then again, maybe spec work isn’t so bad. Maybe we should start treating all our business interactions that way.
Next week, I plan on bringing in three housepainting companies. I’ll tell them this is the deal: paint my house, and if I like it I will pay for it. I won’t give them direction, such as what color I may like. I won’t ask them to educate me about the different types of paint and how they may wear over time. Nope. I’ll just have each painting company paint my house, and when I see a paint job I think I like, I’ll consider paying them. Or not.
Next, I plan on stopping by the auto mechanic. I’ll tell her I want her to make my car more high performance, and if I like what she does with it I’ll consider paying for it after the job’s done. If I don’t like it, I’ll just drive off.
Finally, I plan on stopping by the local farmer’s market. I’ll grab some awesome fresh produce, and instead of paying the farmer I’ll tell him that I’ll take all the produce home and eat it, and that I’ll pay him later, but only for the produce I liked.
Yeah, that’ll work.
Another Article About Why Spec Work Is Bad For Business
