Example. Hi, my rates in our contract are going up from $xx/hr to $yy/hr to adjust to market rates effective ______. You know that I have not had a rate revisi

Example. Hi, my rates in our contract are going up from $xx/hr to $yy/hr to adjust to market rates effective ______. You know that I have not had a rate revision for several years. The new rates are reflective of the additional skills, knowledge and experience I bring to the table. As a long-term partner, I would be happy to lock these rates for a period of ___ years and include an inflation/cost-of-living adjustment from year ___ onwards in our new contract. Let me know what you think. Thanks. a. Your client already knows your capabilities. So, no need to rehash that, I think. b. If there are new skills you will be bringing to the table in the future (eg: you can now program in Rust), that can be stated as part of the value you bring. c. Don't worry about the client being shocked. If they like your work and your increases are reasonable and worth the value you bring, they are likely to accept your proposal. d. Some of these elements in the proposal are negotiable. For example, you are proposing a rate increase, but also proposing to lock those rates for a longer period. You are also hinting at an inflation-adjusted rate down the road. If the client likes your longer-term rate lock at the higher rate, you can decide to knock-off the inflation-adjustment clause. Remember that every negotiation begins with what you are comfortable with and ends (successfully) with what the other party is comfortable with that you can accept. Good luck.