A client in Denver asked me point-blank what my 'dream rate' was

I was giving my usual range for a branding project, and he just said 'No, what number would make you excited to start this tomorrow?' I mean, I threw out a figure 20% higher than my normal top end, and he agreed without blinking. Has anyone else had a client basically give you permission to charge more?

4 comments

4 Comments

david_palmer25d ago

Honestly, that's the dream. Had a similar thing happen last year. Client kept pushing for my "best" price. I finally just said my ideal number, expecting a negotiation. They just said "okay" and sent the contract. Felt wild. Made me realize I was undercharging for years. Some clients actually respect a firm, clear number.

fisher.jessica25d ago

That "firm, clear number" thing is so true. I once gave a flat project quote to a new client, way higher than my old rate, and they just approved it without a word. I spent the whole next week nervous I'd messed up the math!

wesley63913d ago

I get what you're saying, but I actually see it a bit different lol. That "firm, clear number" thing can backfire too. I gave a client a solid quote once for what I thought was a straightforward job, they agreed fast, and then I realized halfway through they expected way more revisions than I'd planned for. The number was firm, but the scope was fuzzy. Sometimes clients say yes because they don't want to look cheap or clueless, not because they respect the price.

dylan_ward25d ago

My "best price" used to be a 20% discount. I was basically paying them to hire me.