That would be reason enough not to work with local businesses, Devon. I work with one local client right now, and they’re not really “local” but global. Most of my clients live elsewhere. New York, Tampa, San Diego, Long Island, Wisconsin, Michigan…

And that’s also a testament to the fact that location doesn’t really matter. The company in Wisconsin pays the same rate as the one in Long Island as does the Tampa client…. It’s about the perception of value, I guess. It’s obvious the people in your area don’t value your skills the way they should. It’s mind-boggling to see just how much they push back and expect you to write for nothing.

Here on Cape Cod — no one wants to pay. Few of my clients are local. I get half a dozen requests a day from local businesses & organizations who want me to write for them. When I quote a rate, I get the lemon-sucking face and, “Oh, we don’t PAY for that. You should be GLAD to write for us. Giving back to the community.”

When the “community” gives me free rent and utilities, we’ll talk. So I don’t work for them.

My rates are my rates. My work comes from OUTSIDE my location.

When I meet with clients, it means more traveling, which I’ve learned how to incorporate into my rate. I also bill for phone time, in 15-minute increments.

Thanks, Sharon! I think the problem begins with a low sense of self-worth. Writers, you have skills. Clients need those skills — if not, they’d not have advertised or said yes to your conversation. Start thinking of your rate as a way to protect your business. Sometimes, making it about something else other than you can really open your eyes to the right path (and the right rate).

Rebecca, I actually love your approach. In many cases, the clients don’t understand the value of that project to them, so giving them per-project rates is perfect. They see a final amount — an amount they can budget for.

I stopped giving per-hour rates a while ago. Occasionally, I get asked to quote per hour, but I always couple it with a per-project estimate so they see the total I’m considering, not the hours ticking by.

I’m wondering how I managed that, Cathy? I suspect when I registered, adding my country wasn’t an option – and I’ve refused to be pigeonholed ever since. 🙂

I’ve seen “everywhere” used before, too. That could work.

You can’t remove the location (to my knowledge). They take it from your profile, which is a required field when completing your profile. I noticed Sharon’s says “Other.” Maybe, that’s a way to get around it. 😉

You are absolutely correct about the ProFinder flaw, Cathy. I sit in Philadelphia, so the offers I get are pretty sweet, and they extend into New Jersey, Delaware, and Manhattan. If I listed western PA, I’d get Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Ohio — not exactly the bastions of high wages.

Maybe the answer is to remove the location, but what would ProFinder do with that?