I'm not sure if Google Answer is menat for this sort of question - but
I figure it's worth a try..

I run a small business from home. A potential client has emailed me
and I have quoted her for work. She has requested that I come to her
office to discuss the work. I'd prefer to converse via email due
because I also work full time at another job.

The question is this - how can I get out of visiting her without
sounding unprofessional. I'm willing to tell a few white lies.

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Clarification of Question by thejman9-ga on 03 Jun 2006 12:39 PDT

I posted this as a comment when it should go here.

"I really shouldn't use work time for my own purposes.
I just want to be able to send her an email explaining why I can't
meet (true or not) without sounding dodgy (even though I am dodgy).
Any suggestion for what I could put in an email would be appreciated."

I guess she wants a face to face meeting to develop trust get a sense
of who you are.

Do you have access to video confernceing at your work or can you do
this over the phone?

Is there a third party who can vouch for your ability and dependability?

Is there even a bad reason why she is avoiding an email only relationship?

I really shouldn't use work time for my own purposes.
I just want to be able to send her an email explaining why I can't
meet (true or not) without sounding dodgy (even though I am dodgy).
Any suggestion for what I could put in an email would be appreciated.

I have found that the truth is always the best course to take in business.

I have also found that meeting face to face with potential clients is
a valuable way to build a relationship, and will often increase the
scope and revenues from any given job.

If the project you are considering appears to be too small to waste
your time on during the weekend or free time, then simply state that
to the client.  They may offer to pay your actual expenses for the
meeting.  Some contractors charge a "consultation fee" which can be
kept, and/or even reimbursed to the client out of the total fees for
services if they do contract with you.