As an experienced blogger of 16 years (since 2007) as well as a content curator on social media, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in the world of brand collaborations and sponsored content. However, amidst the excitement and opportunities that this industry offers, there is one recurring aspect that never fails to leave me disheartened - the presence of lowballers. I am going to talk about the 5 main reasons why I HATE lowballer buyers.
Definition: A lowballer is someone who intentionally offers an unreasonably low price or value for a product or service in order to negotiate a better deal. This tactic is often used in negotiations, particularly in buying and selling situations, to try to secure a significant discount or advantage.
5 Reasons Why I HATE Lowballer Buyers
For context, these disgusting lowballer buyers I have encountered ranges from greedy individuals, resellers (middle-men), cheapskate so-called PR companies, and even the miser owners of brands themselves. I feel compelled to shed light on the depths of my discontent and share with you five compelling reasons why I harbour an intense disdain for these individuals. By doing so, I hope to raise awareness about the negative impact that lowballer buyers can have on both content creators and the industry as a whole.
1. Insultingly Low Offers
Allow me to paint a vivid picture of the extent to which lowballers stoop in their audacious attempts to acquire valuable services at laughable prices. Imagine receiving an offer that equates the worth of your meticulously crafted blog post or engaging social media content to that of a mere cup of coffee. It's not just the discrepancy between the effort invested and the pitiful offer; it's the sheer insult that accompanies it. These individuals brazenly dismiss the blood, sweat, and tears poured into producing exceptional content and fail to recognize its true value.
For instance, I once received an offer from a lowballer buyer who expected me to provide a comprehensive SEO-optimized article for a fraction of my usual fee. The irony was palpable as they sought to enhance their online presence while simultaneously undermining the very expertise required to achieve such results.
2. Devaluing My Expertise
The depth of my expertise is more than a mere collection of skills and knowledge; it represents years of dedication, continuous learning, and staying ahead of industry trends. Lowballers, however, seem intent on disregarding this vast reservoir of expertise and reducing it to insignificance. Picture this: you spend hours conducting meticulous research, crafting a compelling narrative, and weaving your words into a masterpiece that captivates audiences. Then, a lowballer buyer comes along and devalues your expertise with an offer that barely covers the cost of your internet connection.
To illustrate this point further, imagine being approached by a PR company that seeks to collaborate on a sponsored content campaign. Despite the evident benefits they stand to gain from your expertise, their initial offer is so derisory that it beggars belief. It is as if they expect you to provide your skills and knowledge for free, thereby eroding the very foundation upon which our industry thrives.
3. Time-Wasting Negotiations
Dealing with lowballer buyers often entails embarking on a seemingly interminable journey of negotiations that rarely yield satisfactory results. These individuals possess an uncanny ability to drain your time and energy with their relentless pursuit of exorbitant discounts and unreasonable demands. Picture yourself engaging in back-and-forth discussions, patiently explaining the value you bring to the table, only to be met with unyielding resistance.
For instance, I recently encountered yet another lowballer buyer who insisted on negotiating my rates down to an unreasonable extent. Despite investing substantial effort into educating them about the value they stood to gain from my services, they remained obstinate. This not only consumed an inordinate amount of my precious time but also diverted my focus from more lucrative opportunities.
4. Damaging the Industry
Lowballers not only pose a threat to individual professionals like myself but also cast a baleful shadow upon the industry at large. Their incessant quest for cheap services perpetuates the erroneous notion that exceptional content creation and SEO expertise should be procured at bargain-basement prices. This detrimental mindset engenders a race to the bottom where skilled practitioners are undervalued, and mediocrity becomes increasingly pervasive.
Imagine a scenario where lowballers consistently secure services at rock-bottom prices, driving out talented professionals who can no longer sustain themselves in this competitive landscape. The consequence? A dearth of quality content, diminished online visibility, and ultimately, a decline in the credibility and effectiveness of digital marketing strategies as a whole.
5. Lack of Professionalism
The lamentable reality is that lowballers manifest in an array of guises - ranging from ill-informed individuals to purportedly reputable PR companies and even the proprietors of esteemed brands themselves. Their lack of professionalism is nothing short of disheartening. These entities, who should ostensibly possess a modicum of acumen, exhibit an astonishing disregard for the value inherent in our work.
Imagine engaging with a brand owner who, rather than recognizing the expertise you bring to the table, attempts to negotiate your rates down to an insulting level. Their refusal to acknowledge the value you provide not only tarnishes their own reputation but also undermines the integrity and professionalism of our entire industry.
Conclusion
In summation, grappling with lowballer buyers is an exasperating ordeal for any discerning influencer or fastidious content creator. The sheer audacity of their insulting offers, the wanton devaluation of our hard-earned expertise, the interminable negotiations that squander our precious time, the pernicious damage wrought upon our industry, and the lamentable dearth of professionalism they exhibit all contribute to my vehement abhorrence of these individuals.
As bloggers and influencers, it behoves us to take a resolute stance against this pernicious practice and strive towards educating clients about the true value inherent in our services. Let us ardently advocate for fair compensation and unyieldingly champion recognition for our endeavours, ensuring a sustainable and flourishing industry for all those who ply their trade within its hallowed precincts.
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