I'm a freelance web designer and I'm having problems figuring the right price to charge my clients. My parents and friend says I should charge more. But then some of my clients will say that they can't afford it .. can you reduce the price...etc..etc.. I'm happy to design for them and help them promote their business online.. but if I continue like this I'm just covering my cost and my financial situation is stagnant... my savings is just increasing really slowly... should I be patient or charge more ?
I mean.. even a guy that drives a mercedes says they can't afford it. Or a businesswoman who owns several businesses and has a nice house says they can't afford it.
2007-07-16 00:56:54 · 10 answers · asked by ladybug21 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Have you done any market research to see what your competitors may be charging. Don't short change yourself. In my opinion, all clients will ask you to lower your price since you are freelance and they feel they can talk you down better, than let's say if they were dealing with a corporation to do their work for them. Always cover your cost and see how much would be a fair markup percentage by doing the research. Keep your price range the same for all since you may have customers who know each other and that can cause a rift if you give into one and not the other, which isn't good business. Remember too that all businesses start out slow and no matter how much a person makes, they will always try to negotiate a lower rate. It is also how you feel about your work, do you feel it is worth what you charge? This is where your research kicks in to see what your competitors give for what they charge. Even though you are freelance, you have your ideas, but the research still has to be done.
2007-07-16 01:15:21 · answer #1 · answered by stacey e 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't sell yourself short.
What are others in your marketplace charging? My webdesigner went from $35 to $75 an hour, and monthly hosting went up 30% because he did some research on what other businesses are charging.
Some businesses have a budget for certain items, so when someone says they can't afford it, it isn't a budgeted item, not that they would be eating macaroni and cheese for a month if they went with your services.
If you do reduce your prices, make sure they are still in line with the going rates for similar services and that there is something in it for you. Perhaps you can put your contact information and logo at the bottom of every page, or in the contact us page, have a Website designed and maintained by Awesome HTML, Inc. and a link.
2007-07-16 04:03:52 · answer #2 · answered by godged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stick to your prices! If your prices are competitive and you're really good at what you do, then don't change. If you give price breaks you'll get the word of mouth business but then every client that comes from that job will expect the same. I'm sure that's not the reputation you'll what to have. Break that cycle.
2007-07-16 02:35:37 · answer #3 · answered by yakgal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are entitled fully to say they cannot afford it. As well, you are fully entitled to maintain the price for your services. Be prepared to tell them why you are worth what you charge. and stick to your guns with a pleasant smile.
In real estate, I hear that all the time. I simply tell the client what I charge, what I do for the charge, assure them that they will get the best service for their money, and let THEM make the decision.
You'd be surprised how many initially walk away, and then return.
2007-07-16 01:57:59 · answer #4 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Set a fair price and stick to it. Being a commercial photographer, I hear this from clients all the time. I stick to my guns. If your good, word of mouth will get you more business as time goes by! Why not do an email ad campaign, this is a good way to get your services out to companies that might not know you exist.
2007-07-16 01:07:27 · answer #5 · answered by CRAIG C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who wouldn't say they cant afford it if they know the price will go down? They are business people they know how to push your buttons. If they were trying to sell you something they would have no mercy. Just be honest with your prices and charge what you see as fair. Good Luck!
2007-07-16 01:06:00 · answer #6 · answered by simply-remember 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are their choices?
If they can get the same service for less than you may have to reduce your charge.
If they use you and their income dramatically increase or their expenses drastically reduce then they should see that they can't afford not to use you.
You need to know these things, set your price and share why you are worth it.
2007-07-16 02:23:27 · answer #7 · answered by glenn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you need to show them...and I am gonna sound a little cliche here...How they can't afford not to hire you. You are going to allow them to reach a much wider customer base online...
Do you have any stats that shows your clients how many more people they will actually be getting in front of? How there are so many more people today looking to do their shopping online?
Sounds like you need not change your price...just your sales style.
2007-07-16 01:03:56 · answer #8 · answered by That Guy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
by givin those examples what do you think now? should u reduce or upgrade your price?if your service is good then any price would be a right price even if that cost a lot.. think about it..if you want and willing to help so why are you complaining...
2007-07-16 01:10:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say make it at an affordable price they can afford - just low enough for them and just high enough for you to make SOME profit - and I'm telling you, word will get out and you'll have tons of new customers at your door. And you'll see your profits go up! :)
2007-07-16 02:31:46 · answer #10 · answered by Cookie On My Mind 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋