Finally realized I was underpricing my virtual tours by about 60%

Was talking to another freelancer at a meetup in Austin and she mentioned her base rate for a 3D walkthrough. I nearly dropped my drink when she said $450... I've been charging $180 for the same thing. Has anyone else had that moment where you find out your pricing is way off?

4 comments

4 Comments

max_schmidt7716d ago

Hell yeah, that $180 to $450 jump hits hard. I had the exact same gut punch when I found out a competitor was charging triple what I was for the same electrical work.

kevinw9416d ago

Read a study once that said most customers don't actually care about the price of a job. They just want to know it's fair. Sounds like you found your fair number.

drews5516d ago

But see, I kinda disagree with that study... maybe it's true for some people, but I've met plenty of customers who absolutely do care about the number. They'll shop around and call three different guys just to save twenty bucks, even if the cheaper guy is sketchy. Fair is nice and all, but a lot of folks just want the lowest price they can get, especially these days with everything being so expensive. I think those studies leave out how much people worry about getting ripped off, which is a different thing than just wanting a "fair" price.

the_elizabeth15d ago

Right, because "three different guys just to save twenty bucks" is totally rational behavior. Totally not a sign they've got a coupon app on their phone and a spreadsheet of gas station prices. Love that you pointed out people worry about getting ripped off more than a fair price. So true. That's why they'll pay $500 for a "reputable" mechanic who upcharges for a cabin air filter but will haggle over a $20 diagnostic fee. It's not about the number, it's about the feeling they're getting one over on someone.