How to discuss budget when a client has no number
You ask about budget, and your prospective client wants a proposal before discussing what they can spend.
What they might say
- “We haven’t set a budget yet.”
- “Just tell us what it would cost.”
- “We need your proposal to get approval.”
What's usually behind it
Your client may need a rough estimate to secure funding, or they may be unsure what this work costs. You need enough context to avoid building a detailed proposal around an unaffordable scope.
What you can say
- We can start with a rough range rather than a full proposal.
- I’ll make the assumptions clear so you can use it internally.
- What would make that range workable for your team?
Try not to
- Demanding an exact budget before helping.
- Writing a detailed proposal without testing affordability.
How Earshot helps in the moment
Earshot listens live, shows one short card with a suggested line to explore budget, and nudges you on pace.
More for client discovery