I used to think that a ‘fair price’ was whatever the client was willing to pay. I had always heard, “If they pay, they must consider it fair.” So I made it a practice to shoot for the ‘whistle price’. (Except when I chickened out.) That’s the fee where the client says, “Whew. That sounds […]
I’ve seen this happen over and over with the freelancers I know. Especially with me. I kick myself for it. Consider: When you’re new to freelancing, when you’re finding your way, your fees are modest. You may be skillful in your chosen craft, but you are not so sure-footed in this freelance thing. You worry about […]
From a friend in the UK: Q: I’m a freelance coder and developer. Twice, in the span of a month, I have accepted an assignment, taken a deposit, only to discover that the project is pure hell. One client turned out to be hopelessly clueless about the technology behind his own project. He couldn’t understand […]
Um. Yes. Of course. That’s practically a rule. I’m surprised when I hear this question from other freelancers. Some wonder if it is fair or ethical to charge one rate to client George, and a different rate to client Miranda. Others worry that this is vaguely illegal. (Maybe it is, if you’re a supermarket. Or if you live […]
Don’t discuss this with your friends who have regular jobs. They won’t get it. Or, they will think this is unfair. But never mind that. You and me, as free-range and self-sustaining independents, we cannot think like those salaried folk. We are not beholden to the unfortunate economics of being an employee. Here’s our rule: Set things up so you can […]
Tara asks: A good client asked me to handle a sideline project on a quick turnaround. Since it was a little different from what I normally do for them, I quoted an hourly rate. They asked how long it would take. I told them 1 to 2 hours. They said okay. But in the end, […]
Right away, of course. Bill early, bill often. If the assignment is of a certain size, you bill even before you start. (“Only $1800 is required to begin. Nothing else is due until you receive the text.”) I must be the only freelancer in history who took too long to send a bill. Like a dope, I would wait a […]