I finally stopped giving my rates first in a negotiation

For years I'd tell a potential client my hourly rate right when they asked, then watch them try to bargain me down. A contractor I sub for in Charlotte finally pulled me aside and said 'stop being the first one to throw out a number.' Now I ask what their budget looks like first, and it's changed everything. Last month a client came to me with a $2,500 budget for two weekends of work, and I probably would have said $600 if I'd blurted my rate out first. Has anyone else found that letting the other side set the starting point works better for them?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_sage22d ago

Two grand for two weekends? That's insane. I'd fall over.

casey26822d agoTop Commenter

Wait, you're telling me they actually charged $2,000 for two weekends of this thing? @the_sage that's absolutely bonkers. I mean, I know some workshops and retreats can get pricey but two grand for basically 4 days total? Even if they threw in meals and a place to crash that's still way too much. I've seen full week-long events for less than half that. Guess I'll stick to watching YouTube videos and saving my money...

angela72822d ago

I read on the forum that @casey268 said full week events cost less than half that amount, which makes this seem even crazier.