Starting my freelance journey has been exciting, but pricing is a puzzle. I’ve caught myself undervaluing my work, especially with new clients. It’s a balance between attracting business and not shortchanging myself.
How did you figure out your worth when you first started? I’m curious about others’ experiences with this common freelancer dilemma.
Figuring out pricing is tough when you’re new. I’ve been there. Here’s what helped me:
I used to lowball myself constantly. Now I add a buffer for unexpected stuff.
Remember, cheap rates can actually make clients suspicious. They might think your work isn’t good.
Don’t be afraid to raise your rates as you gain experience. Good clients understand that quality work costs money.
Lastly, network with other freelancers. They can give you a reality check on pricing.
I just go with my gut feeling. Sometimes I’m spot on, other times not so much.
Been doing this for years. You learn as you go. Don’t sweat it too much.
Dunno man I just wing it and charge what feels right
Sometimes it works out sometimes it doesn’t
Look, here’s the deal. You figure out your costs, add some profit, and that’s your price. Simple as that. Don’t overthink it. Start a bit higher than you think you should. Easier to come down than go up later. Keep track of your time and expenses on each job. You’ll see what works and what doesn’t. Don’t work for peanuts. Cheap clients are usually more trouble than they’re worth. If someone balks at your price, let 'em walk. There’s always more work out there. Remember, you’re running a business, not a charity. Charge what you need to stay afloat and make a living. It’s not rocket science.
When I started out, I totally messed up my pricing. Charged way too little and ended up working crazy hours just to break even.
What worked for me was keeping a spreadsheet of every job. I’d log the hours, materials, travel time, even stuff like wear on my equipment. After a few months, I could see which jobs were actually profitable and which ones were eating my lunch.
I also started asking other business owners what they charge. Not competitors, but folks in related fields. You’d be surprised how open people are if you’re not direct competition.
One thing that helped a ton: I started giving clients options. Like a basic package, a middle one, and a deluxe version. Most picked the middle, which was exactly what I wanted to charge anyway.
Don’t be afraid to lose a few clients when you raise your rates. The ones who stay will make up for it, and you’ll have more time to do quality work.
I learned the hard way not to undercharge. Now I add up my time, expenses, and a bit extra for the unexpected.
Set your base rate, then adjust for each job. Some clients need more work than others.
Don’t lowball yourself. Good clients respect fair prices. As you get better, gradually raise your rates.