{I had to fire a client today. Mind you it wasn’t a big client. But they expected since we hosted their website on our servers that we would give them free service above and beyond what we offer on our hosting package. So I sent them an invoice for our expected time to cover what they wanted done.}

They flipped out. They said it was outrageous. And that the invoice was too much for the time needed to perform such duties.

My reply…”how so?”

Them: Well that’s not what others charge.

Me: So you expect me to charge what others charge?

Them: Yes I do

Me: So you do expect to pay something.

Them: No you should give it to me for free since I pay for hosting.

Me: So because you pay for one service you expect a completely different service to be done by my team at no charge.

Them: Yes or at a reduced price.

Me: So what is it, you want me to work for free or at a reduced rate?

Them: Preferably for FREE

Me: How many clients do you work for FREE?

Them: None.

Me: Then why do you expect me to do it?

Them: Because it should only take you a few minutes and you are charging me too much for it.

Me: Actually, I’m not charging you enough.

Them: What?

Me: That is my reduced rate for those that host with us. But hosting and the service you needed done are two separate things.

Them: That’s ridiculous.

Me: What’s ridiculous is your attitude. How about you find another hosting service.

Them: I still have 4 months left.

Me: Do you?

Them: I think so.

Me: Then pay my invoice.

Them: No

Me: Then your hosting is terminated.

Them: But you said it’s two separate things.

Me: Apparently not, according to you.

Them: This sucks.

Me: What sucks is when clients think I work for FREE then get themselves fired for undervaluing what I do for them.