Independent Contractor Cut Rate Poll Results
Last week I asked thee independents (aka fr**lancers), “Do you lower your standard hourly rate for longer-term contract work?”
It was a curiosity brought on by my own tendencies to feel the need to bend to potential clients’ requirements and the recent release of the AIGA|Aquent Survey of Design Salaries for 20111.
The results are in. In the majorities, out of 23 votes, ten of you said you cut your rates by 10-25%. Close behind were the steadfast eight who said they never adjust their rate, period:
At first, I wondered if those who wouldn’t budge were simply setting their rates low enough that they had found a sweet spot—a magical range that meant they turned away few clients but also made enough to be profitable.
My great friend Samuel brought up a great possibility, though: higher paying work begets higher paying work. If my rate is $1000/hour (hypothetical, obviously) and I hold out for a client that will pay $1000/hour and feels like that’s a steal for my contribution, the result of that work is not only a happier client (and a happier me), it will also lead to more clients that are willing to pay $1000/hour.
What do you think? Is anyone willing to expand on their vote?
