Heard a fellow freelancer say they never raise rates for existing clients unless asked. That got me thinking.

I was at a coworking space in Denver last Tuesday and overheard a web dev say they keep their long-term clients at the same rate for years because it feels 'safer.' I get not wanting to rock the boat, but isn't that leaving money on the table? Do you guys bump rates for loyal clients automatically or wait for them to bring it up first?

3 comments

3 Comments

jesse_smith108d ago

Last Tuesday I actually sat down and did the math on my oldest client. I have a guy I've been doing SEO for since 2021, never raised his rate once. Meanwhile my hosting costs went up twice and my software subscriptions jumped. I realized I was basically paying to work for him after inflation. So I bumped him 15% automatically with a simple email saying my operating costs went up. He didn't even blink. That's the thing nobody talks about - if you wait for them to ask, you're already behind on your own bills.

fionanguyen8d ago

So you only raise prices when someone basically begs you. Bold strategy, Cotton.

waderamirez8d ago

Oh man, just bump it automatically. Loyalty goes both ways.

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