How much to charge?

suefarinacci

I would love to get some feedback on how everyone decides what to charge when submitting auditions. There is normally a range: $100-$249, $250-$499 etc... and I use the Rate Card suggested by Voices when determining. However, sometimes there is a higher budget offered that is more then the Rate Card and I'm always a bit nervous to submit on that higher budget.

I don't want to submit too low (and seem desperate) but I also don't want to go too high and miss out because someone else went low :)

Would love to hear your thoughts!!

ekgabriel

Do what you are happy working for (but don't bid under their asking rate). Rule of thumb I use: if there bid is over the rate sheet/more than I'd bid, I bid the low number on the range. If it's a bit low, but still within my "want" I hit the high number or near it. Don't overthink it. Bid what you feel it's worth. The client will always field a range of rates when posting. And yes, when it's been a slow month, I absolutely "widen" my what it's worth category!

Andrew Zuber

@suefarinacci This is a great topic, thank you for starting it!

Under-bidding generally not a successful tactic for a number of reasons. Reputation wise it can give the impression that you are a less valuable talent, and also drive down the asking price in the future for similar projects.

An interesting thing to note is that roughly 1/3 of projects on Voices end up going for a higher rate than the range being quoted. To put it frankly: If you're good enough, clients will generally be happy to pay to get the quality they want.

Ultimately @ekgabriel is right as usual: Quote what you would be happy working for, and what you feel you are worth. Clients care more about getting the quality of the project right than anything else.

suefarinacci

Thanks for your feedback! Totally agree on under-bidding, I never go in under the budget. Was really just wondering when it makes sense to go ahead and "go for it" if their budget is actually higher then Rate Card.