How to price your freelance services

Pricing too low makes you tired and can make clients doubt your quality. Pricing too high with no proof makes it hard to win your first job. Here is a simple way to find your range.

Choose how you charge

• By the hour: good for ongoing admin support and tasks that vary.
• Fixed price per job: good for clear deliverables, like a CV or a spreadsheet.
• Monthly package: a set number of hours for a set price, good for regular clients.

Work out your minimum rate

Start with the monthly income you need. Estimate how many hours you can really bill, since you also spend time finding clients and answering messages. Divide income by billable hours, then add the fees the platform takes. For example, if you need $400 a month and can bill 80 hours, you need $5 an hour after fees, which is more before fees. Fiverr, for instance, takes a 20% commission from sellers, so build that into your price.

Check the market

Look at what others with similar skills charge, both on freelance platforms and elsewhere. Overseas clients usually pay more than local ones for the same work.

Start fair, then raise your rates

• Start at a price you can accept but not so low you resent the work.
• Once you have good reviews, raise your price for new clients.
• Offer a one-time discount for a first job, rather than a permanently low rate.

Protect yourself

• Put the price, tasks and deadline in writing.
• Ask for a deposit on larger jobs.
• Say clearly what is not included, such as extra revisions.