Talking to a client in Phoenix made me see my rates differently

I was on a call with a client from Phoenix last week, and she mentioned she budgets $5,000 per project for freelance help, no matter the scope. I've been charging by the hour and always come in under that, leaving money on the table. It made me realize I need to start quoting project prices based on the value I provide, not just the time it takes. How do you figure out what a project is really worth to a client?

2 comments

2 Comments

davis.mia3d ago

That part about leaving money on the table really hit me. I was stuck on hourly for years, worried I'd overcharge if a project went fast. Hearing what a client actually sets aside changes everything. Now I try to figure out what solving their problem is worth to their business, not just how long my to-do list is.

park.wyatt2d ago

But honestly, @davis.mia, that value-based stuff can backfire. Clients have budgets too, and if your "solution" price feels like a random guess pulled from thin air, they'll just walk. Hourly at least feels fair and clear to everyone.