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Wasted $120 on a fancy pricing calculator app that just confused me more
I spent like 2 hours last week messing with this app that was supposed to help me figure out what to charge for my first freelance graphic design job. It asked me like 50 questions about overhead and taxes and how many hours I'd work and I just kept guessing numbers at random. Ended up charging some poor soul $15 an hour based on what it spit out and then realized I forgot to include the cost of my software subscription. The app is just sitting on my phone now. Wish I'd just asked a friend who freelances for a ballpark number instead. Has anyone else bought a tool that made pricing harder instead of easier?
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paulnguyen1d ago
Right? Those apps love to make you feel like you need a CPA just to send out an invoice. @shane_wilson hit it on the head though, copying a buddy's rate is basically the only real shortcut that actually works. These apps ask about "desired annual income" like you're some corporate exec when you're just trying to cover your rent and a Netflix subscription. My favorite part is how they always have a slider for "market positioning" that somehow makes you feel guilty for not charging $200 an hour. The whole thing is just math theater designed to make you feel like you're getting professional advice.
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shane_wilson2d ago
Used to think the more you pay for a tool the smarter it makes you lol. Downloaded some $80 freelance rate app last year and it asked me if my "desired annual income" included my retirement contributions. Bro I'm just trying to not charge $10 an hour. The custom categories and sliders just made me feel dumber every time I opened it. Finally ditched it and just copied what a buddy charges for similar work. Way simpler.
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nora_webb512d ago
Clicked buy on a $40 "client whisperer" app once. That thing asked me if my "service anxiety index" was high or low. Complete nonsense. Did you ever figure out what that app actually wanted from you or was it just made up jargon? Seems like half these tools just invent problems so they can sell you solutions.
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