How to Negotiate the Best Rate for Freelancing Work
Evaluate what the work you are requested to do entails., Determine how much time it will take you to complete the work., As a freelancer, you must have an hourly rate for the work you do., The figure that you calculate in step 3 above acts like a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Evaluate what the work you are requested to do entails.
If it is a project, write down the whole process of doing it from start to finish.
Do not leave out any details.
This will help clarify in your mind not only what is expected of you but also how much effort you will have to put in. -
Step 2: Determine how much time it will take you to complete the work.
Render this in hours or days. , Your hourly rate takes into account how much effort you put in as well as contingencies.
You do not need to let your client know this but you need to work out a minimum that you charge per hour of work done.
Multiply this rate by the total number of hours it takes to finish the job.
If the job takes more than a day then your rate is per day. , the lowest figure you can accept.
Keep this in mind for the negotiation to work in your favor. , Most people always have an idea of how much they are willing to spend, so just find a polite way of getting to know this.
A rule of thumb in negotiation is that the first party to quote a price remains at a disadvantage so do not be the first to mention a figure.
If the client is not able to give a figure right away, give him time to work it out but let him know that he needs to get back to you when he is ready. , If the rate is lower, let him know that there is a minimum you must charge for the work to be done.
If he persists, then it is time to go over the work and make him understand what it will cost you to do it. -
Step 3: As a freelancer
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Step 4: you must have an hourly rate for the work you do.
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Step 5: The figure that you calculate in step 3 above acts like a baseline rate
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Step 6: Ask your client what is his budget for the project.
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Step 7: If the client comes back with a rate that is higher than your baseline rate
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Step 8: then you are good to go.
Detailed Guide
If it is a project, write down the whole process of doing it from start to finish.
Do not leave out any details.
This will help clarify in your mind not only what is expected of you but also how much effort you will have to put in.
Render this in hours or days. , Your hourly rate takes into account how much effort you put in as well as contingencies.
You do not need to let your client know this but you need to work out a minimum that you charge per hour of work done.
Multiply this rate by the total number of hours it takes to finish the job.
If the job takes more than a day then your rate is per day. , the lowest figure you can accept.
Keep this in mind for the negotiation to work in your favor. , Most people always have an idea of how much they are willing to spend, so just find a polite way of getting to know this.
A rule of thumb in negotiation is that the first party to quote a price remains at a disadvantage so do not be the first to mention a figure.
If the client is not able to give a figure right away, give him time to work it out but let him know that he needs to get back to you when he is ready. , If the rate is lower, let him know that there is a minimum you must charge for the work to be done.
If he persists, then it is time to go over the work and make him understand what it will cost you to do it.
About the Author
Diane Sullivan
A passionate writer with expertise in creative arts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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