Been freelancing for a while, but still struggle with pricing. Sometimes I feel like I’m undercharging, other times I worry I’m scaring clients away. How do you guys figure out your rates? Do you factor in market rates, experience, or just go with your gut?
I just eyeball it and charge what feels right. Never thought about it much honestly.
I look at my living costs and how much I need to earn each month. Then I figure out how many hours I can work and set my rate from there.
Don’t forget to add extra for taxes and business expenses. If clients keep saying yes without hesitation, your prices might be too low.
Adjust your rates as you gain more skills and experience. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.
Here’s what I do for pricing:
Figure out your base rate. That’s what you need to cover bills and put food on the table.
Add 30% for taxes and business costs. Trust me, you’ll need it.
Then look at the job. Is it straightforward or a pain in the neck? Adjust accordingly.
Keep track of your time on jobs. You’ll see which ones are money makers and which ones you should avoid.
Raise your rates every year or so. If clients aren’t blinking at your prices, you’re probably too cheap.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from lowball offers. Some jobs just aren’t worth it.
Remember, good work ain’t cheap and cheap work ain’t good. Charge what you’re worth.
I usually just wing it with pricing. Figure out what I need to get by and tack on a bit extra. If the job’s a pain, I charge more. Simple as that.
I’ve been doing this for a while now, and here’s what works for me:
I started by looking at what others charged in my area. But that’s just a starting point.
I keep a spreadsheet of all my jobs. It shows how long each took, what I charged, and if there were any hiccups. This helps me see which jobs are worth it.
Then I factor in my bills and how much I need to live on. Don’t forget to add in some extra for when work is slow.
I also think about how much I like the work. If it’s something I enjoy, I might charge a bit less. If it’s a headache, I bump up the price.
Over time, I’ve raised my rates as I’ve gotten better and faster. If clients keep saying yes without blinking, it might be time for another bump.
Remember, it’s okay to turn down work if the price isn’t right. Sometimes walking away is the best thing for your business.
Pricing is always tricky. Here’s what I do:
- Research market rates
- Factor in my experience
- Consider project complexity
- Add a buffer for unexpected issues
I also:
- Track my time religiously
- Adjust rates for repeat clients
- Raise prices gradually each year
Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. If you’re constantly booked, it might be time to raise your rates.
Remember, lowball prices can make clients suspicious. They often equate cost with quality.
Ultimately, find a rate that feels fair to you and allows you to do your best work. It’s okay to experiment and adjust as you go.