When I was freelancing, I tried both methods (advertising my fees and not advertising them) and to be quite honest, I can't tell you which method worked best because I never took the time to track my ads and come to a conclusive answer.
BUT, what I can tell you is that I spend a lot of time online and purchase goods and services frequently via the Web. I like to know the prices of things. Quite honestly, when a price/rate isn't listed, I get kinda peeved. Why?
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Quite frankly, I feel like I've been "forced" into calling when a key piece of product/service information isn't listed. This is just my personal feeling. But, with time at a premium, when I'm seriously considering purchasing, I almost always choose vendors who give me all the critical information I need up front to make a purchasing decision -- and price is usually right at the top of this list.
My reasoning is, either I can afford you or not, and talking to me over the phone is not going to change my mind (a small biz owner for many years, I don't buy sales pitches). People use the internet to gather information on which to make a sound purchasing decision. For most of us, that means knowing "how much" going in.
Now, I understand that some projects require more detail to give a definitive rate, but I think that having some guideline regarding your fees listed weeds out the tire-kickers from the serious purchasers. Listing fees somewhat pre-qualifies customers, leaving you more free time -- to service those who can afford you and to spend with family and friends.
And isn't that, after all, what freelancing is all about?
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My reasoning is, either I can afford you or not, and talking to me over the phone is not going to change my mind (a small biz owner for many years, I don't buy sales pitches). People use the internet to gather information on which to make a sound purchasing decision. For most of us, that means knowing "how much" going in.
Now, I understand that some projects require more detail to give a definitive rate, but I think that having some guideline regarding your fees listed weeds out the tire-kickers from the serious purchasers. Listing fees somewhat pre-qualifies customers, leaving you more free time -- to service those who can afford you and to spend with family and friends.
And isn't that, after all, what freelancing is all about?
****************************************************************************
What's your opinion, experience, comment, feedback? Click on "comments" to leave a reply, or the envelope graphic to email this article to a friend. You DO NOT need to be a subscriber to reply; you can also post anonymously. ****************************************************************************
Looking for freelance writing work, but don't know where to start or have the time to actively seek assignments? Coming in April: List of 1,000 Paying Markets to begin your search!
**********************************************************************************
Sample Listing: Home/Lifestyle Magazine. Seeks articles on interior design, shopping, entertaining, recipes, art and more. Pays $100-$500/article. The majority of our leads are little-known, industry-specific publications/firms that many freelancers don't target because they rarely advertise. We will only sell a limited number per year and the list will be updated/added to annually. Backed by a 100% money-back guarantee!****************************************************************************
May be reprinted with inclusion of the following in full: ©2005 InkwellEditorial.com: THE job and information portal for and about the editorial industry. Visit our informative, up-to-date editorial blog at http://inkwelleditorial.blogspot.com/ for first-hand information on how to start, grow and/or maintain a successful freelance career.
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