The one-line email trick that got me a 15% raise after 4 tries

Honestly, I kept failing at raising my rate with a repeat client in Denver. Every time I asked, I got vague answers like 'we'll see next quarter' or no reply at all. Last month I tried something different: I sent a super short email that just said 'For next project, my rate goes from $50 to $58/hr, let me know if that works.' No long explanation, no guilt, no list of my hard work. He came back in two hours saying 'fine' and booked me for two more projects. The trick was making it a simple yes/no decision instead of a negotiation invitation. Has anyone else tried stating the new number like it's already settled, and did it backfire or work for them?

2 comments

2 Comments

adam4144d ago

Did you factor in that he might've just been waiting for a clear number to say yes to?

fionat554d ago

Yeah I guess that's actually a fair point, I never really thought about it like that before. I always figured if someone wanted in, they'd jump at the first offer, but some people just need a concrete number to make up their mind. So yeah, that changes my view a bit, waiting for a clear figure makes more sense now.