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I agree, but I do like to play devil's advocate here (just for a bit). Say you live in Thailand, what is wrong with making less? Or at least, a little less? You
by mettamage 8y ago
I agree, but I do like to play devil's advocate here (just for a bit). Say you live in Thailand, what is wrong with making less? Or at least, a little less? You can still participate in the local economy.
- Spooky23 8y agoBecause you are demeaning yourself as a professional. Rate should be tied to the value of the work. To put it another way, would you want to work with someone who values your abilities to be equivalent to a guy making French fries?
- stingraycharles 8y agoI understand your point, but in the end, isn’t it just market forces at work? I lived in Cambodia for two years, and I definitely charges a lot less than what I do now I’m back in Europe. It made sense for me: with two weeks of work I could live comfortably for two or three months, and I still charged way below Western market rates, so I had no problems finding clients. And it allowed me to be picky about the type of work I would accept. What’s not to like?
- carlmr 8y agoYou need to think about your retirement savings which you might not want to spend in Cambodia. Also maybe you want to buy stuff that costs the same everywhere, like an iPhone or a new laptop that's not garbage quality. I mean if it's necessary to compete in the market, maybe it makes sense to lower your rates. But as long as you can charge the appropriate rate, you should. When you're charging less you're still earning the same amount of money for your client. So everything you charge less is you making them rich.
- jackgolding 8y agoCompletely agree with this - most freelancers I know and guests on podcasts I listen to regret charging too little to begin. Its actually recurring advice here that the customers who pay you the least are the most demanding.
- jwdunne 8y agoEven in business, charging less is a sticky problem. It's next to impossible to raise your rates with a client base you've built up without alienating many of them. Because you've charged so low, you can't afford to drop any of them yet. Unfortunately, a lot of business can be through referral and they talk about rates too. It can leave you in a hole that's next to impossible to get out of.
- cerberusss 8y agoA bit less, sure. But I assume that most people need enough to support their family.