I got approached to do a business plan
(back before I got sucked into the black hole of publishing)
and
I stated my darn close to volunteer work fee.
The entrepreneur went silent.
“But, but, but,” she said,
“I already paid for a business plan.
It shouldn’t cost that much.
Most of the work has been done.”
“Then why are you coming to me?” I ask.
“Because the plan was unusable.”
“Then most of the work hasn’t been done,” was my reply.
Basically she wanted me to pay for her mistake.
This happens ALL the time.
A product flops or a mistake is made
and
the company tries to recoup the costs
with higher margins on the next launch.
When the prospect has choice, however,
she simply walks away.