Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team Most freelancers charge too little for too long. Raising your rates feels risky, but done well it costs you very few clients and increases your income. Here is when to do it, how much to raise them, and what to say.
Signs it is time
- You are fully booked, or you rarely hear “no” to a quote.
- Your costs or your skills have grown.
- Your hourly rate calculation is higher than what you charge. Check it with our Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator.
- You have not raised your rates in a year.
How much to raise them
There is no fixed number. A common range for existing clients is 5 to 15 percent, and you can go higher for new clients. If you have been undercharging for years, you may need a bigger step for new work while phasing in the change for existing clients.
How to do it
- Decide your new rates and your start date.
- Apply them to all new quotes straight away.
- Email existing clients with notice, ideally 30 days or more before the change.
- Offer to honour the old rate for work already agreed.
- Be ready to answer questions calmly.
Email template
Subject: An update to my rates
Hi [NAME],
Thank you for your work together over the past [TIME]. I wanted to let you know that from [DATE], my rate for [SERVICE] will change from [OLD RATE] to [NEW RATE]. This reflects [REASON, FOR EXAMPLE: increased costs and the additional experience I bring to your projects].
Any work already agreed will stay at the current rate. I value working with you, and I am happy to talk it through if you have questions.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
Handling pushback
- Stay calm and explain the value you provide.
- Offer options, such as a smaller scope at the old price.
- Do not apologise or over-explain.
- If a client leaves, remember that you now have time for a better-paying client.
Frequently asked questions
Should I raise rates for every client at once?
You can, but many freelancers stagger it, starting with the lowest-paying clients or those who take the most time.
How much notice should I give?
Thirty days is common. Check any notice period in your contract.
What if I lose a client?
It can happen. Losing a low-paying client can free up time to find better ones. Keep an eye on your overall income, not just one client.
Related reading: How to Price Freelance Projects · How to Calculate Your Freelance Hourly Rate
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules differ by country, so check what applies to you.
1 comment