Anne, hi I guess it depends on the client. We here at Freshdesign typically screen our clients. This comes from having done an "ideal client" study so we know up front what "type" of client we are looking for. In our case, typically Marketing, AD's, CD's, etc. and the like who have budgets and know and understand the value of design services. No sense in re-inventing the wheel each time. Also, I would recommend a very brief phone call (10 minutes max) and then have them fill out a Creative Survey which is designed to give you the "scope" of the project. As for your potential client there seems to have been enough red flags but in this case it seems obvious - just a polite but firm call or email back saying you understand his/her situation but are busy with other clients and if/when you are ready/able to make a financial commitment please contact me and we will re-visit the project. Hope this helps. Doug Farrick principal -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/enriched Size: 945 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.hidden-tech.net/pipermail/hidden-discuss/attachments/20050504/cfd5e620/attachment-0020.bin -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Pasted Graphic.tiff Type: image/tiff Size: 26424 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.hidden-tech.net/pipermail/hidden-discuss/attachments/20050504/cfd5e620/attachment-0004.tiff -------------- next part -------------- Freshdesign, inc. 278 main street, suite 402 greenfield, ma 01301 www.freshdesign.com t. 413 773-1901 f. 413 773-1902 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/enriched Size: 184 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.hidden-tech.net/pipermail/hidden-discuss/attachments/20050504/cfd5e620/attachment-0021.bin