It’s been a struggle bringing up rate increases with a long-term client. I keep convincing myself tomorrow will be the day, but I just find excuses to avoid it.
My workload has changed, but my rates haven’t budged. Tough conversation ahead.
Same thing happened with a client I’d billed the same rate for three years. Kept planning to bring it up, then chickened out every meeting.
Finally did it when I started resenting the work. That’s your signal you’ve waited too long.
I picked right after delivering a project they loved. Timing’s everything - don’t ask for more money when they’re stressed or dealing with problems.
Short email: rates go up in 45 days, here’s the new sheet, we’ll talk on our next call.
They didn’t care. Actually wondered why I never raised prices when everyone else did.
Procrastinating cost me way more than losing a client ever would’ve.
The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Trust me.
I did this with a client last year. Kept making excuses until I realized I was working for 2019 prices in 2024.
Here’s what worked:
- Pick a specific date - not “soon” or “next week”
- Write it down first - helps organize your thoughts
- Focus on value you bring - not just inflation or your needs
- Give them 30 days notice for rate changes
The conversation’s never as bad as you think. Most clients get that costs go up. If they don’t, maybe they weren’t the right fit anyway.
Just rip the band aid off.
Been there. I just called them up and said my rates are changing in 30 days, gave the new number, and asked if they had questions.
No big speech about costs or justifications. Just matter of fact.
This video breaks down exactly how to handle these conversations without losing clients:
Most clients respect directness more than you think. The ones who don’t aren’t worth keeping anyway.
I set a personal rule: raise rates every 12 months for everyone. No exceptions, no overthinking. Just shoot them a quick message - rates go up in 30 days because of demand and costs.
Most clients expect it anyway. The ones who complain? Probably not worth keeping.
Took me two years to finally have this conversation with my biggest client. Two years of shrinking margins while I made excuses.
Kept chickening out on calls, so I did it over email instead. Told them what I charge new clients and gave 60 days notice for the rate change. No drama about rising costs or long explanations.
They pushed back on the amount. We negotiated and met in the middle. They’ve been paying the new rate for eight months.
The relief after hitting send was incredible. All that stress for nothing.
Writing it out first beats trying to wing it on a call.
I put this off for six months. Every week I’d think “next Monday for sure” then find another excuse to wait.
Finally just sent a calendar invite for 15 minutes. Can’t back out once it’s scheduled.
Kept it simple on the call:
- My rates go up in 60 days
- Here’s the new number
- Let me know if you want to talk
They’d been expecting it. Said other vendors already raised prices months ago.
Worrying about it was way worse than actually doing it. Your client probably knows you’re undercharging anyway.
Just text them that rates are going up. Don’t overthink it.