I think I dodged a bullet

[moonstaredits]

Hello! I had some buyer talk about wanting me to work with me. The profile said they were from USA yet their English grammar was weird. Take a look

Screenshot_2021-03-30-09-02-38-632_com.fiverr.fiverr~3720×1268 107 KB

Screenshot_2021-03-30-09-02-44-976_com.fiverr.fiverr~2686×1290 149 KB

Screenshot_2021-03-30-09-02-53-082_com.fiverr.fiverr~2720×1257 176 KB

Screenshot_2021-03-30-09-03-02-297_com.fiverr.fiverr~2720×1284 158 KB

Screenshot_2021-03-30-09-03-51-475_com.fiverr.fiverr~2715×1277 172 KB

Screenshot_2021-03-30-09-03-57-103_com.fiverr.fiverr~2720×1440 168 KB

I think is very weird they mentioned about the late order. Also I didn’t like how they let me know that they need it fast. I think I just dodged a bullet. They didn’t even knew what they wanted, yet they wanted it fast…

What do you think?

[tenebres_telrei]

Even if names are removed, it’s not a best “customer/client” practice to share your conversation and if there are any arguments or such,it’s best to be brought up to SC instead. But that’s my personal IMHO. Normally, one should refer to ToS first and foremost.

Secondly, it feels a bit rid out of context. A person wanted to order footage over his book from you, there was a communication struggle, followed by a sudden deadline demand and you have turned it down. It seems pretty normal to me 🙂

Their English isn’t that bad. People can either formulate their thoughts in an odd way or also be dyslexic, which generates a lot of typos.

All in all, nothing all too far concerning but you deffo did save yourself some nerves. 👍

[moonstaredits]

Even if names are removed, it’s not a best “customer/client” practice to share your conversation and if there are any arguments or such,it’s best to be brought up to SC instead. But that’s my personal IMHO. Normally, one should refer to ToS first and foremost.

Secondly, it feels a bit rid out of context. A person wanted to order footage over his book from you, there was a communication struggle, followed by a sudden deadline demand and you have turned it down. It seems pretty normal to me 🙂

Their English isn’t that bad. People can either formulate their thoughts in an odd way or also be dyslexic, which generates a lot of typos.

All in all, nothing all too far concerning but you deffo did save yourself some nerves. 👍

All in all, nothing all too far concerning but you deffo did save yourself some nerves

That’s what I thought.

I’m not sharing the conversation because I want to report something. It’s just an interesting topic, because I was weirded out.

[anniejenkinson]

All in all, nothing all too far concerning but you deffo did save yourself some nerves

That’s what I thought.

I’m not sharing the conversation because I want to report something. It’s just an interesting topic, because I was weirded out.

The buyer sounds perfectly good to me. 🙂 No problems at all with the English, and the fact they apologize for the late messaging makes them appear real and a nice client in my eyes.

And of course, just because someone lives in X country doesn’t mean they are originally from there–our society these days is multicultural! Often, the people who message me (the British ones–as I’m a Brit) who were born and brought up in UK have worse English than those who took the trouble to learn the language and move here. Sign of the decadent times!

[english_voice]

Their conversation doesn’t feel too bad to me. However, what matters is how it feels to you.

Nowadays I always listen to that little voice inside me that says “there’s something not right about this message”. I’ve probably lost a few orders that would probably have turned out fine by telling new buyers that “Sorry, I’m too busy to work with you” - BUT(!) the peace of mind it brought me is priceless.

And that’s what matters - the peace of mind. It’s worth more than a $10 order.

[marinapomorac]

Their conversation doesn’t feel too bad to me. However, what matters is how it feels to you.

Nowadays I always listen to that little voice inside me that says “there’s something not right about this message”. I’ve probably lost a few orders that would probably have turned out fine by telling new buyers that “Sorry, I’m too busy to work with you” - BUT(!) the peace of mind it brought me is priceless.

And that’s what matters - the peace of mind. It’s worth more than a $10 order.

Yes, I was puzzled too by her remark, English seems to be on the spot, standard US English.

I am not sure why do you think you dodged a bullet here, also why you did not provided him with samples?

I am not talking about you doing the samples, I mean searching online for samples and send him something along the line of moodboard so he can better visualize his vision.

If this was my client it would go like this:

Client: I think I want Victorian blonde lady.

Me: Sure. How about checking these to see what fits best and I will get commercial rights for it if anything is perfect, if not send me the ones that are the best and what modifications you would like to see.

https://www.google.com/search?q=victorian+blonde+lady&sxsrf=ALeKk00GFTvgVBTEP4WQKAnlb_dvegp3MA:1617135809028&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH88yr7NjvAhVwgf0HHbOwAB0Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

Client: My book is about urban poetry.

Me: OK. Check these and let me know what style looks close to what you have in mind.

https://www.google.com/search?q=urban+poetry+book+cover&sxsrf=ALeKk03kMFu9rlkd10EGxwBTtBul_b48tg:1617135842910&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQ4eC77NjvAhUphf0HHcIdC1AQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

I do not understand why would he send you the images directly. For me, I think designer needs to guide the buyer and assist him.

All of this that is needed to complete the order can be done in first 15-30 minutes of conversation.

For example, client comes and wants logo done with letters BBD.

Is any of the styles or concepts presented here up to your liking? https://www.google.com/search?q=logo+BBD&sxsrf=ALeKk02qtxl1IXPs6HtphnA3ktgcbovbWg:1617136156536&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi8-6bR7djvAhVyhf0HHYw3DeQQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

If he likes some, great, I have starting point to develop upon. If he hates them all, great I know what not to do.

Fiverr is not 3000$ per order kind of environment. And even if it is I would still use internet to brainstorm ideas and to make sure my idea is unique.

I think you missed an opportunity here.

[wordsfire]

Since when “messengering” became a word or standard US English?

Here are the red flags:

• Trying to be too creative with words. They will want the video to be super creative too.
• Unsure of what they need exactly
• Trying to rush the creative process (and briefing itself)
• Planning to ask for edits already
• Shifting blames: Why should the seller have anything in mind? It’s their project. They need to set the expectations. Not the other way around.

To be honest, I don’t think they understand they are buying video editing service. It’s better to stay away from such buyers; especially when you do not have enough stats.

Xx

[imagination7413]

I’ll mostly agree on the English. It’s got a LOT of typos, but the structure feels accurate. (It looks like something my brother would type.)

I fully agree on saying ‘no’ to the rush and deadline.

It’s somewhat up to a seller to guide a buyer, but ONLY if they put it as something like “I’m new, I don’t know what I’m doing, what do you need from me” as that frames it as a willingness to be humble and honest upfront. I’m not a mind reader, I’m not going to ‘pull teeth’ just to get information.

This Buyer just seemed to want you to provide everything.

[nadiappp]

Yes, I was puzzled too by her remark, English seems to be on the spot, standard US English.

I am not sure why do you think you dodged a bullet here, also why you did not provided him with samples?

I am not talking about you doing the samples, I mean searching online for samples and send him something along the line of moodboard so he can better visualize his vision.

If this was my client it would go like this:

Client: I think I want Victorian blonde lady.

Me: Sure. How about checking these to see what fits best and I will get commercial rights for it if anything is perfect, if not send me the ones that are the best and what modifications you would like to see.

https://www.google.com/search?q=victorian+blonde+lady&sxsrf=ALeKk00GFTvgVBTEP4WQKAnlb_dvegp3MA:1617135809028&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH88yr7NjvAhVwgf0HHbOwAB0Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

Client: My book is about urban poetry.

Me: OK. Check these and let me know what style looks close to what you have in mind.

https://www.google.com/search?q=urban+poetry+book+cover&sxsrf=ALeKk03kMFu9rlkd10EGxwBTtBul_b48tg:1617135842910&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQ4eC77NjvAhUphf0HHcIdC1AQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

I do not understand why would he send you the images directly. For me, I think designer needs to guide the buyer and assist him.

All of this that is needed to complete the order can be done in first 15-30 minutes of conversation.

For example, client comes and wants logo done with letters BBD.

Is any of the styles or concepts presented here up to your liking? https://www.google.com/search?q=logo+BBD&sxsrf=ALeKk02qtxl1IXPs6HtphnA3ktgcbovbWg:1617136156536&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi8-6bR7djvAhVyhf0HHYw3DeQQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

If he likes some, great, I have starting point to develop upon. If he hates them all, great I know what not to do.

Fiverr is not 3000$ per order kind of environment. And even if it is I would still use internet to brainstorm ideas and to make sure my idea is unique.

I think you missed an opportunity here.

What a great idea, Marina. For me, interior book formatter, the hardest part is to get the general mood of the book into a visual form. Implementation later is much easier. On Fiverr we don’t have the luxury of easy face to face communication which makes it even harder. Clients often don’t know what they want, and some don’t even care. So this idea of giving them quick examples thrown together is super helpful.

[stefanyoshovski]

First of all, I agree with many of the people here, that it’s not good practise to share entire conversations you’ve had with your clients.

Also I’ve worked with people from different countries with basic English and I’ve had many zoom calls with customers from all over the world. The way they write or speak in English never bothers me. English is not my mother tongue, also I live in a country different from the one I was born in. I can ensure you that it may be offensive to rate the level of language knowledge of somebody. Perhaps you didn’t say anything to him, but it would still bother me to know that someone may discuss about my language pronunciation or grammar after I’ve finished a call.

Talking about the main topic of this discussion, it seems a red flag to me as well, based on the fact the buyer has mentioned order cancellations and rush.

[eoinfinnegan]

Since when “messengering” became a word or standard US English?

Here are the red flags:

• Trying to be too creative with words. They will want the video to be super creative too.
• Unsure of what they need exactly
• Trying to rush the creative process (and briefing itself)
• Planning to ask for edits already
• Shifting blames: Why should the seller have anything in mind? It’s their project. They need to set the expectations. Not the other way around.

To be honest, I don’t think they understand they are buying video editing service. It’s better to stay away from such buyers; especially when you do not have enough stats.

Xx

Since when “messengering” became a word or standard US English

It’s not but I have seen it used regularly by people referring to sending messages via FB Messenger. Similar to someone snapchatting you or whatsapping you.

[wordsfire]

First of all, I agree with many of the people here, that it’s not good practise to share entire conversations you’ve had with your clients.

Also I’ve worked with people from different countries with basic English and I’ve had many zoom calls with customers from all over the world. The way they write or speak in English never bothers me. English is not my mother tongue, also I live in a country different from the one I was born in. I can ensure you that it may be offensive to rate the level of language knowledge of somebody. Perhaps you didn’t say anything to him, but it would still bother me to know that someone may discuss about my language pronunciation or grammar after I’ve finished a call.

Talking about the main topic of this discussion, it seems a red flag to me as well, based on the fact the buyer has mentioned order cancellations and rush.

I can ensure you that it may be offensive to rate the level of language knowledge of somebody. Perhaps you didn’t say anything to him, but it would still bother me to know that someone may discuss about my language pronunciation or grammar after I’ve finished a call.

We gotta rate and review buyers in the end and in public. I don’t think @moonstaredits shared any personal info about the client or the project.

It’s not but I have seen it used regularly by people referring to sending messages via FB Messenger.

Sounds like something that will get your account banned.

How long since we saw the lady who mistakenly clicked a zoom link? The guy demanded nudes, and when declined, he reported her to CS for contact outside 5r. She lost her account.

Edit: Also, just because I picked the typo in their very first message doesn’t mean they didn’t misspell ‘before’ as bel.

Xx

[eoinfinnegan]

I can ensure you that it may be offensive to rate the level of language knowledge of somebody. Perhaps you didn’t say anything to him, but it would still bother me to know that someone may discuss about my language pronunciation or grammar after I’ve finished a call.

We gotta rate and review buyers in the end and in public. I don’t think @moonstaredits shared any personal info about the client or the project.

It’s not but I have seen it used regularly by people referring to sending messages via FB Messenger.

Sounds like something that will get your account banned.

How long since we saw the lady who mistakenly clicked a zoom link? The guy demanded nudes, and when declined, he reported her to CS for contact outside 5r. She lost her account.

Edit: Also, just because I picked the typo in their very first message doesn’t mean they didn’t misspell ‘before’ as bel.

Xx

I don’t think they were suggesting to use Messenger, just used the word either mistakenly because they are used to it or with autocorrect

[wordsfire]

I don’t think they were suggesting to use Messenger, just used the word either mistakenly because they are used to it or with autocorrect

just used the word either mistakenly because they are used to it or with autocorrect

Okay…

just because I picked the typo in their very first message doesn’t mean they didn’t misspell ‘before’ as bel.

I don’t think they were suggesting to use Messenger

I wish CS was that thoughtful.

I think OP dodged a bullet there.

Xx

[moonstaredits]

Yes, I was puzzled too by her remark, English seems to be on the spot, standard US English.

I am not sure why do you think you dodged a bullet here, also why you did not provided him with samples?

I am not talking about you doing the samples, I mean searching online for samples and send him something along the line of moodboard so he can better visualize his vision.

If this was my client it would go like this:

Client: I think I want Victorian blonde lady.

Me: Sure. How about checking these to see what fits best and I will get commercial rights for it if anything is perfect, if not send me the ones that are the best and what modifications you would like to see.

https://www.google.com/search?q=victorian+blonde+lady&sxsrf=ALeKk00GFTvgVBTEP4WQKAnlb_dvegp3MA:1617135809028&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH88yr7NjvAhVwgf0HHbOwAB0Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

Client: My book is about urban poetry.

Me: OK. Check these and let me know what style looks close to what you have in mind.

https://www.google.com/search?q=urban+poetry+book+cover&sxsrf=ALeKk03kMFu9rlkd10EGxwBTtBul_b48tg:1617135842910&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQ4eC77NjvAhUphf0HHcIdC1AQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

I do not understand why would he send you the images directly. For me, I think designer needs to guide the buyer and assist him.

All of this that is needed to complete the order can be done in first 15-30 minutes of conversation.

For example, client comes and wants logo done with letters BBD.

Is any of the styles or concepts presented here up to your liking? https://www.google.com/search?q=logo+BBD&sxsrf=ALeKk02qtxl1IXPs6HtphnA3ktgcbovbWg:1617136156536&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi8-6bR7djvAhVyhf0HHYw3DeQQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=880

If he likes some, great, I have starting point to develop upon. If he hates them all, great I know what not to do.

Fiverr is not 3000$ per order kind of environment. And even if it is I would still use internet to brainstorm ideas and to make sure my idea is unique.

I think you missed an opportunity here.

All of this that is needed to complete the order can be done in first 15-30 minutes of conversation.

That’s what I normally do. I was really busy at the moment and the next day I won’t be home for half of the day, that’s why I told them I would send samples in Tuesday.

I can work from scratch only with the information I ask for in the gig requirements. The problem here is that I was busy at the moment. Plus they aren’t even sure about what they want… Makes me wonder what the experience was going to be, maybe they would ask for a lot of revisions… Glad I turned it out.

[moonstaredits]

I’ll mostly agree on the English. It’s got a LOT of typos, but the structure feels accurate. (It looks like something my brother would type.)

I fully agree on saying ‘no’ to the rush and deadline.

It’s somewhat up to a seller to guide a buyer, but ONLY if they put it as something like “I’m new, I don’t know what I’m doing, what do you need from me” as that frames it as a willingness to be humble and honest upfront. I’m not a mind reader, I’m not going to ‘pull teeth’ just to get information.

This Buyer just seemed to want you to provide everything.

This Buyer just seemed to want you to provide everything.

I provide a lot of things, however buyer needs to at least have a vision in mind about what they want or like. It seemed like they didn’t

[moonstaredits]

Their conversation doesn’t feel too bad to me. However, what matters is how it feels to you.

Nowadays I always listen to that little voice inside me that says “there’s something not right about this message”. I’ve probably lost a few orders that would probably have turned out fine by telling new buyers that “Sorry, I’m too busy to work with you” - BUT(!) the peace of mind it brought me is priceless.

And that’s what matters - the peace of mind. It’s worth more than a $10 order.

And that’s what matters - the peace of mind. It’s worth more than a $10 order.

That’s exactly my mindset too. 4$ sometimes is not worth our time

[moonstaredits]

Since when “messengering” became a word or standard US English?

Here are the red flags:

• Trying to be too creative with words. They will want the video to be super creative too.
• Unsure of what they need exactly
• Trying to rush the creative process (and briefing itself)
• Planning to ask for edits already
• Shifting blames: Why should the seller have anything in mind? It’s their project. They need to set the expectations. Not the other way around.

To be honest, I don’t think they understand they are buying video editing service. It’s better to stay away from such buyers; especially when you do not have enough stats.

Xx

To be honest, I don’t think they understand they are buying video editing service. It’s better to stay away from such buyers; especially when you do not have enough stats.

Your points are exactly my thoughts and the red flags I also detected. I’m not in a position to risk an unsatisfied customer (I’m currently 4.5 stars in that gig thanks to similar buyers who were picky and indecisive).

[moonstaredits]

First of all, I agree with many of the people here, that it’s not good practise to share entire conversations you’ve had with your clients.

Also I’ve worked with people from different countries with basic English and I’ve had many zoom calls with customers from all over the world. The way they write or speak in English never bothers me. English is not my mother tongue, also I live in a country different from the one I was born in. I can ensure you that it may be offensive to rate the level of language knowledge of somebody. Perhaps you didn’t say anything to him, but it would still bother me to know that someone may discuss about my language pronunciation or grammar after I’ve finished a call.

Talking about the main topic of this discussion, it seems a red flag to me as well, based on the fact the buyer has mentioned order cancellations and rush.

Perhaps you didn’t say anything to him, but it would still bother me to know that someone may discuss about my language pronunciation or grammar after I’ve finished a call.

I should have clarified that the problem for me is not the grammar itself. I’ve had buyers who weren’t perfect at English. How come I’m going to be criticizing that, when I’m a self-taught english speaker? The problem for me is that It’s suspicious they set their location on USA and yet commit grammar mistakes in such basic words, it is a red flag because they may be lying about their location, just to appear something they’re not… In few words, a scammer trying to pose as someone from a developed country. It may be petty of me, nonetheless.

Talking about the main topic of this discussion, it seems a red flag to me as well, based on the fact the buyer has mentioned order cancellations and rush.

That’s what made my alarms ring. It’s really fishy.

[moonstaredits]

I can ensure you that it may be offensive to rate the level of language knowledge of somebody. Perhaps you didn’t say anything to him, but it would still bother me to know that someone may discuss about my language pronunciation or grammar after I’ve finished a call.

We gotta rate and review buyers in the end and in public. I don’t think @moonstaredits shared any personal info about the client or the project.

It’s not but I have seen it used regularly by people referring to sending messages via FB Messenger.

Sounds like something that will get your account banned.

How long since we saw the lady who mistakenly clicked a zoom link? The guy demanded nudes, and when declined, he reported her to CS for contact outside 5r. She lost her account.

Edit: Also, just because I picked the typo in their very first message doesn’t mean they didn’t misspell ‘before’ as bel.

Xx

. I don’t think @moonstaredits shared any personal info about the client or the project.

I didn’t. I even omitted the pictures they sent me.

I may have done a little bit of nit-picking here, maybe overreacting, but when something seems off, is better to trust your intuition.

[benedictrm]

I am super nervous of anyone who comes with something that they say they want something creative but clearly have a very firm (and usually not creative at all - like a clone) idea they can’t or won’t articulate.

If you ask them to find images that represent their thing - that they can’t or won’t articulate - and they won’t. As in expect me to wander about unpaid until I magically find what they want, I will bail too.

Fine if they are paying my by the hour and for images I need to buy on the off-chance, but when the overall job is priced in the stupid already, this is a hard no.

You did what I would have done too for lyric videos. Come see me when you have what we need to get this done and give me the time to do a good job.

🙂

[moonstaredits]

I am super nervous of anyone who comes with something that they say they want something creative but clearly have a very firm (and usually not creative at all - like a clone) idea they can’t or won’t articulate.

If you ask them to find images that represent their thing - that they can’t or won’t articulate - and they won’t. As in expect me to wander about unpaid until I magically find what they want, I will bail too.

Fine if they are paying my by the hour and for images I need to buy on the off-chance, but when the overall job is priced in the stupid already, this is a hard no.

You did what I would have done too for lyric videos. Come see me when you have what we need to get this done and give me the time to do a good job.

🙂

Fine if they are paying my by the hour and for images I need to buy on the off-chance, but when the overall job is priced in the stupid already, this is a hard no.

And I’m even flexible enough to make almost everything they need done for their book trailer just by asking them info about their book and characters, by a very low price! Even knowing that, they can’t provide me with a vision? Telling me what their book is about, how would they transform the mood of it into an audiovisual experience?

You did what I would have done too for lyric videos. Come see me when you have what we need to get this done and give me the time to do a good job.

Glad I’m not the only one. Sometimes is tricky getting into those kind of projects. You think you can handle it because you trust in your creativity, however buyer throws everything you show them in the trash. Not an ideal experience, nor a safe space for a seller to be.

[deivys20071]

hola pana mio xd! 😉

[moonstaredits]

hola pana mio xd! 😉

hola pana

Qué tal pana :raised_hand_with_fingers_splayed:t4:

I think this wasn’t the case. I specify in my gig that I also speak Spanish. Some people start right off the bat talking Spanish to me, something very appreciated. Sometimes I struggle finding the correct words to explain something when speaking English. It can become bothersome when you need to have a fluent communication with your buyer 😕

[benedictrm]

hola pana

Qué tal pana :raised_hand_with_fingers_splayed:t4:

I think this wasn’t the case. I specify in my gig that I also speak Spanish. Some people start right off the bat talking Spanish to me, something very appreciated. Sometimes I struggle finding the correct words to explain something when speaking English. It can become bothersome when you need to have a fluent communication with your buyer 😕

This weren’t no language issue. I really do think you did the right thing with what was there.

I get the same with lyric videos, want me to explain every creative move I will make when they can’t /won’t send either their song or any images they would want used. Sending me a Celine Dion song video won’t help as that is Céline (Jim Steinman if I am lucky) and a million dollar budget (and they got the song).

You did what felt right and I would have done too. Don’t second guess.

I know you will as i backed away yesterday with a song I could have mixed but everything told me that reality and expectations were not about to meet. I did offer an alternative Gig where I would just do the Vocal part for his initial budget but he rolled away as his fantasy(?) was otherwise.

🙂