How To Properly Negotiate Your Freelance Rates

Let’s face it – negotiating isn’t pleasant for anyone. You’re in this situation where you try to make more for yourself without ripping off the other side, all while trying to be extremely careful about the words you say, as they matter the most. It’s pretty stressful for many. However, if you’re planning to build a successful freelance career, you need to learn how to negotiate.

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If you’re starting, you’ll improve your chances of getting hired if you create your profile on platforms like Brybe Marketplace – reasonably new but equally good as some of the most popular freelance platforms. Plus, you get to keep everything you earn!

Regardless of your niche or industry, here are a few things to know about adequately pricing yourself as a freelancer.

Do your own research 

First, you must spend some time getting to know your industry. That means that you need to read forums, Reddit threads, and Quora questions to find out how much other freelancers in your industry are making. If it helps, you should also check out websites like Glassdoor, where you can review employees’ feedback on companies and salaries.

This part is crucial – you don’t want to enter any negotiations without doing your homework, but you also don’t want to look confused and accept any offer. Knowing how much your work is valued on the market is essential.

Communicate with other freelancers

Once you do your research, start talking with other freelancers. It’s vital to connect with other freelancers, more experienced than yourself. There are tons of Facebook groups out there where you can post any questions you have, and you’ll receive thousands of answers. The critical thing to remember is that you’re not alone at this and can ask for guidance in this process. 

Charge by the project

At the beginning of your freelance career, an hourly rate may seem like a better decision. But in the long run, an hourly rate is not the most effective solution. When you’re charging by the hour, that’s your standard rate. If you decide to change it, you’re risking losing your clients. Plus, there are those small details like a 30-minute lunch break or a visit to the doctor during working hours – how are these regulated in a by-the-hour contract? These are all issues you need to consider before starting the negotiations. If you charge by the project, you’ll end up making much more money.

Get them to name the price first

It’s a known rule in negotiation – whoever names the price first loses. Although negotiating is not about losing, it would be better for you to get your clients to name the price first.

You can ask something like “What’s your budget for this role?” and see what kind of answer you’ll receive. Of course, not every client will give away the answer quickly, but even the tiniest information can change your negotiations.

Strive for a mutual agreement, not a rip-off

This is the most crucial rule – your clients are not your enemies. Most of them need you and your services, and generally, they want to offer the best price they can. It would be best if you strive for a mutual understanding, not a war. Find a way to understand your client’s needs and pain points, just like they are trying to figure out yours, and see what kind of agreements you can make together.

Negotiating is a skill, and you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself if it takes you some time to master it. You’re bound to make some mistakes at the beginning, and that’s how you’ll learn.

When you feel ready to step into the world of freelancing, Brybe Marketplace is an excellent place to start. You can even create multiple Offers, which can help you add to work on your negotiating skills.

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