Men tend to get their rates with less negotiation than women. Many women allow themselves to be pushed into lower rates. Many clients will push back once if a man states a rate, but, if he sticks to it, then agrees, but keep pushing a woman.

I've sat in meetings with male colleagues and experience this on numerous occasions. Or, if I'm working with a male graphic designer, his rate is accepted immediately. I always have to draw boundaries and usually get told I need to be "more flexible" or more of a "team player." When I'm working with a female graphic designer, we're often both harrangued to give lower rates in ways male colleagues rarely are.

And no, we don't give in.

I have to say, though, there's less of that up here than in NY. Less Wall Street/Master of the Universe mentality.

I've lost jobs to male colleagues who charged the same rate I did, even with fewer credits. I was told I was too expensive; the male writer was not. I've also lost jobs to male colleagues with less experience who then didn't deliver (which has nothing to do with gender, simply the individual writer), and then the client came back asking for me. And I charged a higher fee than my earlier quote.

Thank you as well, Damaria. 🙂 I'm with you – if the offer is leagues apart, I'm walking away, too. Funny what you said about the ones who take your price without balking. Maybe it's more that they realize you're worth it than they think you're at bargain rates. If you're happy with your rate and they are too, that's a win!

My rates went up for new clients too, Kim. Lowering rates is kind of counter-intuitive. It doesn't say to me that person is a professional, but rather a dabbler.

Great point, Carl! I agree completely. If you've done your marketing consistently, you won't need to waffle on your rate.

It never occurred to me to lower my rates when the economy started struggling. I can't afford to, and I've spent too much time and money working to improve my skills to take backward steps now.

I found that I had to re-evaluate my business and the market I was targeting and make a few changes there, which has worked in my favor. As an entrepreneur, I do know that I need to work on my negotiating skills – they could be better. I'm doing okay, though. 🙂

As to the issues you raise about nomination Lori,I have walked away from negotiations when the fee I'm quoting and what the client is offering are not compatible. But that has mostly been when dealing with low-ballers. The lesson for me is to take it to a higher level. Sometimes I'm shocked when I negotiate with some clients – I'd tell them what I'm asking for a few say yes without even blinking. Which later makes me wonder if I could have negotiated for more/held a stronger negotiating position than I knew.

Totally unrelated to your post, but I want your readers to know I've nominated you for the top ten writer's blogs from write to done. http://writetodone.com/2011/11/22/nominate-your-favorite-writing-blog-6th-annual-top-10-blogs-for-writers-contest/
Now, someone needs to second that nomination. You give so much great information and I believe you should be recognized for it. Visit write to done and nominate Lori right now!

That said, the other day another writer friend of mine called. A client she's worked with wanted her to rework and expand something she'd already written for them so they could use it in a new way. Since she'd already done a lot of the work, she asked me if she should charge her normal rate of cut them a break since she's already done so much of the work. I told her to ask her normal rate – if they balked, she could offer the lower rate. They didn't flinch at her price. I'd take that as a sign that it's time to raise rates.