How to set tariffs with confidence ?

Set tariffs may be one of the most complex when working freelance or that it manages its own business. Whether it is for a service, a product or a project, the fear of evil assess its value or lose customers may make this difficult decision. However, setting its rates with confidence is the key to value his own work, to ensure its profitability and build a professional relationship strong with its customers.

Here are some steps and tips to set your rates with confidence.

1. Assess the value of your work

The first step to setting your rates is to determine the value you bring to your customers. This value should reflect your skills, your expertise, your experience and the time invested in your missions.

Ask yourself the right questions :

• What unique skills do you have ?
• What problem do you resolve for your customers ?
• What is the experience or the expertise you bring with you ?

The more you will understand the value of your work, the more it will be simple to translate into rates are fair and appropriate.

2. Analyze the market

Before you set your rates, it is essential to understand the market in which you operate. Analyze the prices charged by your competitors in your sector. This will allow you to position your prices in a realistic way.

Take into account :

• The rates charged by profiles with comparable skills.
• The demand in your area.
• The specific characteristics of your target customers (small businesses, large companies, independent contractors).

An analysis of the market gives you a reference, but do not compare yourself only on the basis of price. Your skills, your services and your work methods may justify a higher rate.

3. Calculate your costs and your financial needs

To work with serenity, your prices need to cover your fixed and variable costs. Evaluate all of the expenses necessary to maintain your business :

• Rent or coworking space
• Tools and software professionals
• Insurance
• Social contributions
• Travel costs, marketing, etc

Also add a percentage to your savings, your projects, or training your unforeseen. Set your rates without taking into account your costs could quickly put your business in danger.

4. Adopt a pricing strategy tailored

There are several ways to set your rates. Here are the most common :

• Pricing schedule : Calculate your costs and determine the number of hours you can work each month to fix a rate per hour.
• Pricing project : Set a global price, depending of the complexity of the mission, your experience and the time required.
• Pricing for value-added : Offer your price according to the results that are expected by your customers rather than the time invested.

The key is to choose the strategy that fits your business, your customers and your financial goals.

5. Test your rates in confidence

Set a fair rate also means to take it on with confidence. When you submit your price, show confidence in your services.

Tips for presenting your rates with insurance :

• Explain clearly the added value that your customers will get with your services.
• Be prepared to justify your prices with the facts : your skills, your experiences and past results.
• Show that your pricing reflects the quality and professionalism you offer.

You can also adjust your prices gradually as your confidence and your expertise will grow.

6. Dare to say no if needed

Any customer is not not necessarily the proper customer. If a prospect calls into question your rates without recognition of your value, it is perfectly acceptable to refuse the project.

• Confidence comes with practice. Refuse a customer gives you the opportunity to work with people who respect your skills and your rates.
• Remember to identify your ideal clients, those who recognize the quality of your work and your expertise.

Learning to say no is a valuable skill that strengthens your market position.

7. Stay flexible, but not to the detriment of your value

It may happen that you adjust your rates to respond to exceptional circumstances or for specific projects. For example :

• Projects with recurrent customers, or strategic partnerships.
• Exceptional demand or workload lower at certain times.

However, it is important to stay aligned on the value of your services and not to devalue your work by lowering your rates in a systematic way.

In summary : trust is built with the clarity and value

Set your rates with confidence based on a combination of :

• Understanding your value
• A realistic analysis of the market
• An accurate assessment of your costs
• A pricing strategy tailored

Your confidence is increasing with time, as your customers recognize your skills and you see your rates as a reflection of your expertise and efforts.

Don't be afraid to put your work to its fair value. You are unique, your skills are unique, and your customers idéaliseront always the quality and the experience that you offer.

Ready to set your rates with confidence ? Get started today !