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Any Freelancer's Here? A Question?

I quit my job as a marketing manager about a year ago to stay at home with my daughter. I have been toying with the idea of doing some freelance work, and now have a potential client.

I have been researching rates and find anything from $25 to $50 an hour is suitable. They are based in St. Louis and I am in Seattle, so both large cities. It is, however, a smaller home-based boutique and home-based business that they are running. Since this is my first freelance gig, I don't want to lose it by charging too much, but I also know that I need to consider myself and make sure I get paid what I am worth. I have a bachelor's degree and 7 years experience in the field.

Any thoughts or advice?

Our first baby girl, Lucia Joy, joined us on April 1, 2010!

Re: Any Freelancer's Here? A Question?

  • What was your rate when you were working?
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    Our little Irish rose came to us on March 5, 2010
    Don't drink the water.
    Disclaimer: I am not an MD. Please don't PM me with pregnancy-related questions. Ask your doctor.
  • I made xx an hour.

    ETA: xx an hour. I started at xx with that particular company and ended right around xx when I left.

    Edited to remove salary information.

    Our first baby girl, Lucia Joy, joined us on April 1, 2010!
  • OK, so now you have a reasonable rate to start with.
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    Our little Irish rose came to us on March 5, 2010
    Don't drink the water.
    Disclaimer: I am not an MD. Please don't PM me with pregnancy-related questions. Ask your doctor.
  • I do have a reference point, but freelance work does not come with benefits or anything. To me, it's different than working at a corporation where there are benefits involved.

     

    Our first baby girl, Lucia Joy, joined us on April 1, 2010!
  • I work as a freelance writer; in my experience, a client won't just leave if they think your rates are too high. First they will negotiate to try to lower your rate; then if they don't like your counter-offer, they may move on. So start with the price YOU think you're worth (I can't see your salary information anymore since you've edited your post), and if the client doesn't agree, they may try to negotiate. Generally speaking, though, clients understand the value of the service and they're willing to pay for it. Don't sell yourself short; you do a disservice to yourself and others in the field. 

    Remember, also, that a client who doesn't want to pay you what you're worth may not be worth your time. I had a client that I chose to drop because he was constantly trying to lower my rate (which I'd already given him a deal on because I knew him from my old job) and then demanding a lot from me.

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • Thank you for your insight! I appreciate it!
    Our first baby girl, Lucia Joy, joined us on April 1, 2010!
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