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My buddy's 'just charge more' advice backfired hard on my first big freelance project

My friend Dave told me to double my rate for a landscaping design job last summer in Austin, saying clients respect higher prices. I pitched $150 an hour to a retired couple with a huge backyard and they immediately walked, no negotiation at all. Should I have stuck with my gut and quoted lower to get the experience?
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3 Comments
blake_kelly19
Friend of mine does video work and did the same thing. He bumped his rate from $400 a wedding to $800 and lost every single inquiry for three months straight. Had to go back to his old price just to get any calls again. Some markets just don't support that jump all at once, especially when you're still building a name for yourself.
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lisas78
lisas7823d ago
Dave's advice worked perfectly if you're trying to scare off clients who actually value your work, not just your price tag.
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michael_williams
@lisas78 Isn't that just a filter for clients who expect you to beg for their business though?
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