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Step 1
Find out what other freelancers in your business are charging. Create a list of the ranges within your location and your medium using your contact medium of choice.
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Step 2
Take into account the experience and professionalism of your competition and where you fall into the mix. In most cases, freelancers that are more professional and really look like they know their stuff will command a higher pricing system. In contrast, inexperienced freelancers likely fall lower in the pricing range.
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Step 3
Figure out your strategy. The more professional you are, the more likely it is that you can command higher pay rates from clients and customers. Some freelancers decide that they want to position themselves just below the competition, while other freelancers with more experience can command rates within the top third of the range.
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Step 4
Consider your overhead expenses. Depending on your freelance business, where you are located and what tools you need to efficiently do business will determine how much you should charge.
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Step 5
Figure out who your client is. Do they understand the rates for your services and what is involved in your job? Are they in a market that is willing to pay you what you deserve as a freelancer?
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Step 6
Stick to your rate sheet. Don’t let a client muscle you into lowering your rates. This shows inexperience. If you do want to offer a lower price, offer it as a one-time percentage off of your regular price. This works well for new clients and lets them know that their second project will not be at the same rate. If you say that you will lower your rates, it puts the client in an authoritative position.
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Step 1
Create ranges for each project and/or an hourly rate. Most freelancers do not post their rates on websites or public places so that in case they need to quote a higher price they are free to do so.
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Step 2
Your rates will not stay the same forever so leave room to increase them. You don’t want to set them so high that when you do change them, your current clients or new clients cannot afford you!
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Step 3
Refrain from changing your rates frequently. If you do change your rates, it is best to change them at the beginning of the year and do not make drastic changes. This way you can justify why your raised your rates to your current clients.
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Step 4
Stick to your rate sheet. Don’t let a client muscle you into lowering your rates. This shows inexperience. If you do want to offer a lower price, offer it as a one-time percentage off of your regular price. This works well for new clients and lets them know that their second project will not be at the same rate.
Comments
sallyemaycreate said
on 7/3/2009 Excellent article with great tips! If you are good at what you do, never give away your expertise or sell yourself short! For the most part, clients that want a job well done will go with someone that charges a little more. If they are looking for big discounts, they will probably not be the type of clients that you want anyway. Bravo and 5*!!