Where do look for what to charge? (Full Version)

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smcfarland -> Where do look for what to charge? (4/23/2004 21:22:31)

I accidentally got a new client who is in a different state and used to paying MUCH more than I charge normally. I do admit that I don't charge enough sometimes, but I am feeling a little guilty. She had asked me to redo optimaztion for her INDEX PAGE only and sumbit to search engines for $350. I usually work quickly and charge only $250 for a full website. Now, I am getting into installing a new (free) cart, but it is not ASP which I prefer and will take a little more time.

Any suggestions?



Mojo -> RE: Where do look for what to charge? (4/24/2004 21:31:20)

Hi Summer,

If the client is offering to pay $350 I would not volunteer to do it for less. He/she may think you feel uncomfortable charging that much because your not worth it. I know that's how I feel when confronted with a cheap service or product.

Joe



Charles W Davis -> RE: Where do look for what to charge? (4/24/2004 21:49:09)

Summer,

I agree wholeheartedly with Mojojo.

Several years ago, I was a high-end cabinetmaker. My target marketplace was Pebble Beach, California. I had done a couple of jobs for a General Contractor who liked my work and quality, but I continued to miss out on jobs. One day after he had received my proposal, he called me and offered the comment that my quality wasn't good enough. This was a complete surprise. Then he finished what he had to say. Mulitply the proposal price by four! I did just that, and was busy in the Pebble Beach area for the next eight years until retirement.

That is exactly why you shouldn't underbid the clients offer.



dpf -> RE: Where do look for what to charge? (4/28/2004 8:07:04)

this is such a common problem for new business owners , especially ones w/out overhead of office insurance, etc, etc. It seems strange but Charles is exactly correct - your cheap price conveys the impression that you arent any good. iF YOU RAISE IT, THEY WILL COME.



TeeJay -> RE: Where do look for what to charge? (7/17/2006 22:43:47)

I can relate to the "I don't charge enough" syndrome. A few years back I had this sure-thing idea about offering "ad pages" instead of a whole site, for local businesses. In order to build up a client base, I went to friends and family with small businesses and offered to do theirs for free so I could have examples to show my "customers". Out of nearly 2 dozen people, only one person made the effort to follow up. They were all very excited about the idea when they heard about it, but because they didn't have a nickel into it and because it was free, it didn't have any value to them. Although I have a hard time charging a lot for my services, I guess it's the only way they'll take you seriously.

Thanks for the comments. This post was very helpful.

TeeJay



gtfoi -> RE: Where do look for what to charge? (7/20/2006 18:14:20)

If I've learned anything at all through the years it is that my time is my most valuable commodity & I can't afford to give it away. It's been my experience that underpricing my work also "devalues" my time to the customer. I dont know why this happens, I only know that it does. When I charge my going rate & stick to it, my clients are more likely to be respectful of my work time.



cfilut -> RE: Where do look for what to charge? (7/21/2006 10:16:25)


quote:

ORIGINAL: smcfarland

I usually work quickly and charge only $250 for a full website.


$250?? Wow! I have seen your work after looking at this post, you are underselling yourself. When you find yourself working smart and getting things done faster, then it is time to start charging a premium hourly rate. You should make $250 just for firing up that computer and giving your professional advice.

I had 2 similar experiences where people told me I was not charging enough. It was difficult to raise my hourly rates because I didnt think anyone would pay for it, but somehow it validated me more as a professional to them. Go figure?!?

So start charging more, they will pay for it, After all, you earned it.



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