| There are 3 main things which the webmasters look at | | | | This is really simple. As a freelancer you must be able |
| before hiring a freelancer: | | | | to estimate the amount of work involved in the project. |
| - Your resume, CV, portfolio, reputation etc. I.e. | | | | You probably have average hourly rate. Multiply the |
| everything which can help them appraise your | | | | hours to your hourly rate and you have the basic |
| competence as a freelancer | | | | quote. Add to this any fees you may need to pay - |
| - Your interest in and understanding of their specific | | | | for credit card procesors, bank wire, check fees, |
| project | | | | western union, escrow fees if any and freelance |
| - Your price | | | | marketplace fees if any. |
| And it is not necessarily in that order. Some will look | | | | Now you have your optimal quote. But as said above, |
| first at the price, others will be most interested to see | | | | such a quote is not the best. Sometimes you may |
| that you understand their project, third will want to see | | | | earn more, sometimes may need to work for less. |
| that you are an expert. Regardless of which criteria is | | | | If you have a fair hourly rate (i.e. not too different from |
| most important for your potential customer, all of them | | | | the market) your optimum price will not be too low, |
| will have a big influence on their decision. | | | | neither will be too high in the eyes of your customer. |
| This article will help you win 1/3 of the freelance battle | | | | Going below your optimal quote |
| by giving the most appropriate quote. | | | | Just like you have average hourly rate, you must have |
| The best quote is not the lowest quote | | | | a minimal hourly rate. This is a price of your freelance |
| Even if the buyer of your freelance services values | | | | work under which you won't agree to work. For |
| the price as the most important criteria, he does not | | | | example it can be 70% of your average hourly rate. |
| always look for a low quote. Of course the customers | | | | Do the calculations from the previous item and you will |
| in the freelance market can't or don't want to pay too | | | | have your minimal quote. |
| much, otherwise they would contact some big | | | | You may need to quote between your minimal and |
| company. Most of them want reasonable price. | | | | optimal price in case you: |
| What does reasonable mean? It's not about how | | | | - are looking for longer term relations with the client |
| much you want to take or how much you think is fair. | | | | - are desperate for new work |
| It's not about the market prices, about how much | | | | - think the project will help you build expertise or |
| effort is included or how professional you are. It's | | | | portfolio |
| about how much the customer think is fair. A | | | | Even in these occasions, you need to do it only if you |
| reasonable quote must meet the following | | | | feel the customer won't accept your optimal quote. |
| requirements: | | | | Going above your optimal quote |
| - Does not include overcharges | | | | This is the best scenario. Sometimes the customer will |
| - Is not too low. Your client does not want amateur to | | | | be prepared to pay much more than your optimum |
| work on his project | | | | price. Sometimes you will know that because they |
| - Does not make them feel scammed | | | | have stated what their target budget is. Sometimes |
| - Does not make you feel underpaid | | | | you will be able to judge by the timeframe they offer |
| So how do you know what price to give? | | | | or by their previous projects. |
| Simple, ask them what is their budget! No, it's a joke of | | | | Being able to receive more does not mean you should |
| course. I fact, it's good to avoid asking the customer | | | | overcharge your customer. It is just a nice way to |
| what is their budget. Direct asking may make the | | | | receive a better payment than usual which will allow |
| customer feel pushed. | | | | you also to do a better job. Try giving higher quote |
| Sometimes you will have "hints" about your client. They | | | | only if you feel your potential client is willing to pay |
| may give approximate budget themselves. You may | | | | more. |
| know them from someone else. If you work on a | | | | Don't stick to your optimum price, calculated by your |
| freelance site, usually the projects have approximate | | | | hourly rate. This is the market, something costs as |
| budget or price category. In this case it's easier. But | | | | much as someone is willing to pay for it. Be flexible |
| knowing that is not enough. | | | | when pricing your freelance quote. |
| Calculate your optimal quote | | | | |