Client doesn’t 'feel like paying' editor for work done. But they had the best comeback lined up.

Creative professionals are often exploited under the guise of “exposure,” but as the saying goes, "exposure doesn't pay the rent." A video editor recently shared on Reddit how a client tried to take advantage of them. The Reddit user, u/nitiddesigns, who works in photo editing, graphic design, and video editing, recounted how a woman asked them to edit a clip with just a 45-minute deadline. Although they were out on a walk, the editor promised to head home and start the project, quoting a price of 20 euros (about $23). The woman responded by accusing the editor of exploiting her and playing the victim. Having worked in the creative industry for over six years, u/nitiddesigns was familiar with these types of clients and knew how to handle the situation, according to Bored Panda.

As many creative professionals can attest, there are always clients trying to take advantage, especially if you’re not yet well-established. While u/nitiddesigns is a first-year college student, they still had a lot of experience in the field. "I’ve got quite a lot of experience under my belt!” they told Bored Panda. “For every 5 clients I do work for, I usually have at least one of them who raises some issues like the ones seen in the post,” said u/nitiddesigns. They added that it was one thing to bargain, but another to try and rip them off. 

They shared screenshots of the exchange. When told about the price (20 euros), she responds, "Are you kidding me? No." The video editor responds, saying it's only $5 more because the 45-minute deadline meant they had to drop everything else and focus their entire energy on her work which otherwise would normally take longer to do. She responds, "20 for less than an hours' work is actually insane. You're exploiting me right now."

While staying mum on the price, she urges them to stitch the clips together, claiming that her job was on the line. "I'm legit gonna get fired if I don't get this done." The video editor had seen way too many clients like this and made it clear that she had to agree to the price and only then would they start with the project. She still doesn't agree and accuses them of "holding her to ransom." She then says, "You're sick in the head if you think this is funny." Yes, because nothing is funnier than paying for labor. The Reddit user makes it evident once again that the ball was in her court, and the decision was hers to make. She gives in and agrees to pay 20 euros.

The video editor gets to work and shares a downloadable Google Drive link with the client. She appreciates their work but then reveals that she never intended to pay, and then laughs at them. The editor simply replied, "Fine by me," accompanied by a thumbs up. She then realizes that the file is locked and she actually needs their permission to access the file. She starts abusing them. "Why did you lock the file? Little b*tch. F*ck you."

The editor had the last laugh and said they wouldn't give her permission to access the file even if it meant she paid up now. It was a matter of principle. When she begged them to unlock the file, they replied, "I don't feel like it." Reddit lauded them for the response, with some urging them to send screenshots of the conversation to her boss. One person said even at 20 euros it was a steal. "Shiiiiiiit £20 is about the minimum I would charge for just ending my walk early. Raise those prices!!"

This article originally appeared on 11.19.21.