It seems tempting.

Especially when you’re hearing a lot of ‘no’.  Or when you’re just starting out. You’re trying to get a foothold.

Or, when you’ve hit a slow spot, and you want to scare up some quick assignments just to make the rent. So you think about dropping prices, offering low fees, just to get some work in the shop.

Actually, that often works. Going down-market can bring in clients.

Clients who are in financial trouble. Or are cash-poor, struggling, or just starting.

Clients who want more for $9 than good clients want for $100.

Clients for whom the work is merely a nuisance. “Just whip something up cheap.”

Clients who will drop you in a second to save another $12.

Clients who may not pay at all.

Clients who, even if they begin to grow, will move on to ‘better’ freelancers .

Clients who have burned through every other freelancer on the list.

Clients you don’t want.

Yes, when you absolutely need $327 by Thursday, do whatever it takes. No one will fault you.

But low-balling is only a band-aid. A crappy one at that. I’ve never seen it work for long. Ever.

Your pricing selects the clientele.