Client requested full article by email before purchase

[Miranda]

Hi Folks,

I am a writer here already but a very new one. A client has emailed via CC to request that I send her the full article she's interested in by email so she can decide if she wants to purchase it or not.

Is that acceptable? Do you think I should send it? Should I trust her? How do I know?

Thanks in advance for your help...

[Word Gypsy]

Hi,

CC has included a handy "Help" section for authors. It includes the following information:

Why can't I contact a customer directly or post contact information?
By using Constant Content, you agree to the site's Terms and Conditions. Constant Content's marketing and services bring customers and writers together in an arena that benefits both parties. You win because you have a place to market your work with no up-front fees. The customer wins because he has a place to buy quality content. Bypassing Constant Content's system and posting contact information to our customers is grounds for account suspension.

I'd advise against contacting clients directly.

WG

[Miranda]

Hi Word Gypsy,

Thanks for your reply. To be clear, the message from the client came via the Constant Content messaging system and I could reply the same way, which would all be above board.

My real question is about whether or not I should send a full article to a client before she has purchased it? Does that make sense? When a client buys an article, don't they have a grace period during which they can return it and be refunded? I'm just not sure how I should respond to the client's enquiry...

[Miranda]

Hi Folks,

In the end and after thinking it through, I sent the following reply:

"Hi xxxxxxxxxxxx,

Thanks for your enquiry. I'm afraid that under the terms of my agreement with Constant Content I am unable to send you the full article personally or prior to purchase.

As is stated in the FAQs for customers, this is to protect the content from theft in the interests of all parties concerned.

I appreciate that it is a difficult decision to make, however I would also like to draw your attention to Constant Content's returns policy which allows you 5 days from purchase to read over the material and be sure it is what you expected. If you are not satisfied, you may then request a refund within that time.

I do hope that helps.

Kindest regards,

Miranda Jones"

I hope I've done the right thing as that could be my first sale!

[Word Gypsy]

Hi Miranda,

I hope it leads to a sale for you! I think your email is perfect!

Happy Writing,
WG

[Lysis]

Flip what you show to the public to 100% and tell her she can go look at the full product?

[Miranda]

Thanks WG - that's encouraging!

And yes, I have actually reset the preview to 100% but it seems to be taking a while to make the change. In the end I see that this is what Celeste Stewart does and it hasn't hurt her sales any!

Thanks folks for your support and advice. I appreciate it!

xxxxx M.

[LauraGinn]

I think it's a great email Miranda, please do let us know what happens.

I also show 100% of my article and haven't had any issues doing so yet.