How to Negotiate Your Prices as a Freelancer
Learning the Art of Negotiation
As a freelancer, you will often be expected to negotiate your prices with clients. While this can sometimes feel uncomfortable, it’s so essential!
Negotiation is an important part of any business relationship. It means both parties have agency over their own objectives. In this article, we will explore tips on how to negotiate your prices as a freelancer if you are just getting started.
Do your Research and Set a Baseline
Before you go into any negotiation, it helps to have your case prepared. You’ll want to do some research on the market and know what other freelancers with similar skills are charging so that you can be sure you’re getting fair value for your work.
You should also know roughly how much time and energy each task takes so that you can accurately price your services. This can be a challenge if this is your first time as a freelancer—but don’t worry! It can be somewhat of a trial and error in the beginning.
It is important to set a minimum rate for yourself so that you won’t go below. If you want to build up your business, it’s important that you charge what your work is worth.
Know Your Worth
Once you have a minimum rate in place, you can pitch your product or service by explaining how it will benefit the other person and save his/her time or money.
In addition, it’s always a good idea to explain how your work is unique or different from other freelancers’ work. If you are a designer, explain the difference between your design and other designers’ work. If you are a writer, explain how you will provide unique content for them that no one else can offer.
Don’t be afraid to charge more for your goods or services. If you’re offering something that’s better than what other people are selling—and can prove it—then customers will be willing to pay extra.
Be Confident
How to negotiate your prices as a freelancer all stems from having confidence. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth, as long as it’s fair.
Sometimes, however, clients will try to negotiate with you and ask if they can pay less than what you’ve asked for. This can be daunting, but the more confident you are about the value of your work and skillset, the easier it will be for them to understand why their initial offer might not cut it.
And if they don’t want to pay enough for your baseline services? Don’t be afraid of saying no!
If you’re working for a client, you have every right to ask for what you’re worth. If they try to negotiate with you and ask if they can pay less than what you’ve asked for, be confident with the work or service you provide. Don’t let anyone take advantage of your skills!
Understanding Timelines and Setting Boundaries
If you’re a freelancer, you’ve probably received messages that say something like, “I need this done ASAP,” or “I’m running out of time.”
If a client needs something done immediately and is willing to pay extra for it, that’s a great opportunity for negotiation.
Just remember how to negotiate your prices as a freelancer on a rush request can be a bit tricky. If you agree to do work in an unreasonable amount of time or unclear specifications, then there’s a chance your quality will suffer as well.
To avoid these challenges, consider setting some boundaries upfront. This could look like setting a limited number of revisions on the project or requesting an extra charge if the client wants changes made within 24 hours of delivery.
Remember that if you don’t have the bandwidth to take on new clients, it’s important that you’re upfront about this with them from the start.
Set a Contract
Always have a contract in place before starting on a freelance project. The contract should outline what the client expects from you, what your responsibilities are, how long it will take, and when the project is due. This will help ensure that everyone knows what they’re getting into when they accept a freelance project.
The two most common arrangements involve a flat fee or a retainer.
- A flat fee is a one-time payment that you receive for your work. The client will typically pay this at the end of the project after it’s completed.
- A retainer is when the client pays you an upfront amount of money to use their services throughout a set time period. This helps ensure that you have a steady income from them. A freelancer’s dream!
Set payment terms in your contract and make sure both parties agree on them before moving forward with any work.
The Value of Returning Clients
Understanding the importance of repeat clients is key to maintaining a healthy freelance business. You will be better able to negotiate more for your services once you have proven your capabilities.
Returning clients also help you build credibility and reputation in your field, which makes it easier for new clients to trust that you’re an expert in what you do. By establishing a solid reputation, it will also be easier for you to negotiate a higher dollar amount for your services over time.
Negotiation Tips for Freelance Writers
Negotiation is a part of life, whether you’re negotiating with your boss for a raise or buying something from the market. Learning how to negotiate your prices as a freelancer is never an easy feat, but with practice and market research, you can be prepared to negotiate like a pro!
Remember that if you’re just starting out as a freelancer, it’s important to have patience with yourself and your clients. Do your best to make the transaction successful for everyone involved. Everything takes time and practice — but don’t be afraid of negotiating for better prices or more work from your clients even at the beginning.
Before you go
This article was all about how to negotiate your prices as a freelancer. If you found these tips helpful, be sure to check out How to Price Yourself as a Freelancer as the next step in your freelance journey. Still wondering if freelancing is for you? These articles are sure to lead you in the right direction: Top 5 Reasons Why Freelancing is Better Than A Job and Why You Should Start Freelancing.
Freelance marketplace: Revolancer