Comments on: What’s Your Price?

By: Translation favorites (Feb 13-19)

Translation favorites (Feb 13-19) — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:14:08 +0000

[…] To Charge More As a Freelancer 21 Times for a Freelancer to Say “No” Agreeable Disagreements What’s Your Price? The Encore Juggling Act Superbly Idiotic […]

By: Weekly favorites (Feb 13-19)

Weekly favorites (Feb 13-19) — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 18:02:14 +0000

[…] To Charge More As a Freelancer 21 Times for a Freelancer to Say “No” Agreeable Disagreements What’s Your Price? The Encore Juggling Act Superbly Idiotic […]

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:59:35 +0000

Good idea on padding it a bit, Wade. I've found my estimates aren't always right on, either. About 20 percent more for a new client is usually closer to the reality.

Paula, she did the right thing from this chair, too.

Wade, I agree. It's insulting to offer substantially lower without explanation or even an apology. I did have an editor come to me with a lower rate and explain why, as well as apologize for it. I accepted because it wasn't all that much lower and it still made financial sense to me. But significantly lower? And they came to her? They need to revisit their practices.

Good practice, Allena. Your hourly is a great foundation to use since you've clearly done your homework on the price you need.

Victoria, that gig wasn't for you. It was for someone who didn't mind compromising too much for too little in return. Good for you for passing on it. I had a similar experience, and it taught me to price at or close to my usual rate every time.

By: Victoria @ My Daily Cuppa

Victoria @ My Daily Cuppa — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:25:06 +0000

I recieved an email from someone looking for an article writer. They were referred by a previous client, which made me feel great. However I had worked for him using an introductory price. I actually felt bad writing what price I normally charge because I was worried about losing the gig. But just like you said, if a person doesn't want to pay the price, then they were never going to be your client anyway.

I didn't get the gig but I am glad that I didn't feel pressurised to work for less that I am worth. I have to keep reminding myself of this point.

By: allena

allena — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:00:11 +0000

I learned to pad my estimate in the first year of freelancing. Back then it was needed because I grossly underestimated. But now I just do it to shake the tree a bit.

I go straight to my hourly because I think it's most helpful for people to position me on the grand scheme of things.

By: Wade Finnegan

Wade Finnegan — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:54:06 +0000

That is borderline insulting. I understand the economy is bad, but undervaluing an individual's worth taints the relationship. I'm not starving, so I could turn that down, but it might be difficult if you need to put food on the table.

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:23:09 +0000

BTW – I also sent her a link to Lori's blog, noting this post in particular.

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:21:51 +0000

Another writer friend of mine just told me a former editor asked if she could write a lengthy article due in about a month. She did the math, and they were offering roughly 17-18¢ per word. Probably less than they paid her 10 years ago.

She asked me if I thought she'd done the right thing by saying she'd need more. Of course I said she did the right thing. Now she's waiting to hear if they can find it in their budget to come closer to her rock-bottom prices.

To me it boils down to: They approached her. They know she's good. They must remember what they paid her for previous articles. So why offer a lower rate than they know she deserves?

By: Wade Finnegan

Wade Finnegan — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:44:11 +0000

I like doing it the estimate way. I pencil out how long I believe it will take me and then quote a price. I also learned to "pad" the time a little, because most of the time clients will add to the workload not lessen. If I over estimate then I could offer more service or maybe an incentive for further work. I have written a couple articles that paid per word, but they were on the low end.