Honestly, a chat at our town's craft market turned around my pricing

Honestly, I used to slash my rates just to get any freelance work. Tbh, it meant I was always busy but never really earning enough. Then, I stopped by our local craft market last weekend and got talking with a woodworker there. She told me how sticking to her real prices filtered out bad jobs and attracted people who respected her skill. Ngl, I decided to try it on my next quote, asking for what I actually needed to make. The client said yes right away, which shocked me. Now, I have fewer projects but better pay, and I'm not constantly worried about money. It's wild how a simple local conversation can change your whole freelance game.

3 comments

3 Comments

anna_stone452mo ago

Wait, they said yes right away? That's the part that gets me. I've had so many people try to haggle me down for days over the smallest things. You just gave them your real number and they just... agreed? No "can you do a discount" or "what's your best price"? That's honestly wild. I might have to try being that direct next time, because the back and forth is what makes me want to lower my price before we even start.

holly4202mo ago

How did you figure out your real price to begin with?

robin5942mo ago

Honestly, @holly420 I never really "figured out" one set price! It was more trial and error. I started way too low, got burned out, and then slowly raised my rates every few clients. Watching what others with similar skills charged gave me a ballpark, but really, it's about what lets you work without feeling cheated.