Situation Summary A SaaS founder is asking you to write the hero + first two sections of a landing page for free after already reviewing your portfolio and process. They justify it as a “fit test” while comparing multiple copywriters. Step 1: Request Analysis What they’re asking for: Not a small sample — this is core, high-impact copy Requires thinking, positioning, and real work (not a trivial task) Type of request: This is not a standard evaluation request It is a boundary-risk request disguised as a fit test A normal evaluation would be: Reviewing portfolio Paid test Strategy call Small paid audit Step 2: Risk Detection Red flags present: Asking for production-level work for free Comparing multiple providers → likely repeating this request across candidates Already saw your portfolio → still wants more proof “Quick sample” framing minimizes real effort required Interpretation: Low commitment Low trust OR decision paralysis Possible pattern of extracting free work Red Flag Score: 8/10 Step 3: Positioning Impact If you say yes: You devalue your expertise (especially in SaaS copy, where strategy matters) You train the client to expect free iterations You weaken pricing power later (“you already did part of it”) You become interchangeable with other writers Precedent risk: High — this sets a free work → paid work funnel Future scope creep becomes more likely Step 4: Response Strategy Best path: Decline unpaid work Reframe to paid test OR alternative proof Maintain calm, professional authority Options: Primary: Offer a paid test project (credited if hired) Secondary: Redirect to portfolio + case studies Tertiary: Offer a paid audit/strategy session instead Tone: Calm, confident, non-defensive No over-explaining No apologizing for boundaries Step 5: Boundary Message Message To Send (Recommended) I understand wanting to make the right choice, especially when comparing options. For work like this, I don’t provide unpaid sample copy, since the hero and opening sections are typically the most strategic and high-impact parts of the page. What I can offer instead is a paid test project where I write those sections for you. If we move forward, I’ll credit that toward the full project. Alternatively, I’m happy to walk you through relevant case studies and explain how I’d approach your page so you can evaluate fit without needing spec work. Alternative Responses Softer Version That makes sense — choosing the right copywriter is important. I don’t usually do unpaid sample work, mainly because the sections you mentioned involve a fair amount of strategy and research. If helpful, we could do a small paid test for those sections, or I can share a few examples and walk you through how I’d approach your landing page specifically. Firmer Version I don’t provide unpaid sample work, especially for core landing page sections like the hero and opening blocks. If you'd like to test working together, we can do a paid trial project, or you can evaluate fit based on my portfolio and process. Let me know how you’d like to proceed. Main Risk Doing meaningful strategic work for free and attracting low-commitment clients who optimize for extraction, not outcomes. Mistakes To Avoid Agreeing “just this once” Offering a reduced/free “mini version” (still unpaid labor) Over-justifying your boundary (signals insecurity) Getting pulled into negotiation around free work Writing partial copy “to show goodwill” Next-Step Recommendations Send the primary response If they push back: Repeat boundary once (do not negotiate downward) If they agree to paid test: Define clear scope, price, and credit toward full project If they disappear: Disqualify and move on (good filter) Bottom line: This is a high-risk, low-quality signal client behavior. The correct move is to protect positioning and convert to paid validation or walk away.