The other day, I went to a grocery store. In an attempt to start eating healthier, I noticed they had wild-caught, Sockeye salmon from Alaska. Fish being healthy, and brain food, I decided that was going to be my dinner. I got a lovely filet and proceeded to the checkout line.
When I got to the cashier, she told me that my fish was $18.49. I told her I was a musician, and didn’t have a huge salmon budget, so I was willing to pay $8. The cashier proceeded to laugh at me, and I didn’t get my fancy salmon.
Try the same routine in any market across the country, and you’ll get the exact same result. And honestly, I’m sure you wouldn’t expect it to be successful. Somehow though, I see musicians trying to do this all the time.
“Hey – I love that website you built for ‘Artist X,’ can you build me one just like it?”
“Sure – that was a $3,000 website.”
“Oh – I’ve got $500. Can you still do it?”
“Well, no … “
Sometimes the circumstances attempt to dictate value:
“Hey – I love that website you built for ‘Artist X,” can you build me one just like it?”
“Sure – that was a $3,000 website.”
“Oh, well, I’ve got to buy a new guitar and strings, so can you build the site for $500?”
“Well, no … “
Sometimes the future is a bargaining tool:
“Hey – I love that website you built for ‘Artist X,” can you build me one just like it?”
“Sure – that was a $3,000 website.”
“Oh, well, I’m gonna be HUGE after I release this album. If I’m famous, you’ll make a ton of cash when people know you built my website…”
“Well, no … “
I could go on an on with these. I’ve had musicians tell me all kinds of reasons why my rates should be lower. Unfortunately, the folks at AT&T don’t care that I gave a deal to a musician. They still want me to pay my entire cell phone bill. And that’s not to say that I’m completely inflexible with my rates and services; I’ve offered deals to countless artists.
The lesson – if you expect/desire fair pay for your music and your gigs, it’s gotta be a two way street. When you hire professionals to help build and define your career, treat them like the fancy salmon. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. Your potential doesn’t pay our rent. It’s the sad truth.
