Comments on: Freelance fees: project or hourly rate?

By: Courtenay

Courtenay — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:41:02 +0000

Thanks Linda–sounds like I’m on the right track!

By: Linda VandeVrede

Linda VandeVrede — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:22:21 +0000

Courteney, when I first started out freelancing, I called on a few peers in the field and met them for coffee. I asked if they would be open with me and share their freelancing experiences, including rates, and they were extremely helpful. Every few years, PRSA puts out a salary guideline as well, although I don’t know when the next one will be.

By: Tyler Hurst

Tyler Hurst — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:07:47 +0000

Project-based or retainers are the only way to go. Hourly fees create a problem in unknown areas like social media. I’d rather plan for 40 and work 80 knowing what I’m getting paid and what I need to accomplish than plan for 40 and NEED to work 80 and not finish the job because of hourly caps.

By: RSS Ray

RSS Ray — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:04:09 +0000

Excellent post. I think value based fees are the way to go.

Further pressure on fees will happen now that more “interactive” companies are entering the PR space and companies attempt to create buzz with social media. If you aren’t linking fees into the solution of client problems, you are just another hourly worker.

By: Courtenay

Courtenay — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:32:09 +0000

Linda, I really appreciated your post as I have been assessing this issue recently. Besides the Writer’s Market, where else would you recommend those in the field go to compare their rates with other professionals of a similiar experience level?

By: Justin Locke

Justin Locke — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:47:40 +0000

well when used to do video production, i would do project rates but then i switched to project rates based on a presumed # of hours, that way, if time needed to do a project grew beyond the estimate, so did the fee. yes, hourly rates incentivize one to take more time, but i found that project rates made me really resent client input that created delays. the other problem with project rates is scope creep, i.e. “while you’re at it, could you . . . ” so every new idea becomes an argument about “is this included or is this a new project for more money.” having a handy hourly rate in place solved that argument, and stopped clients from trying to pile on extra stuff for free.

i think this may be too broad a topic . . . some projects and clients are best managed by hourly rates, others by the project. some clients are more honorable than others.

note, as a speaker, I don’t charge for time, I charge for the value. as one speaker bureau manager explained it, if i entertain 1,000 influential people and make them glad they came to your event, that hour is easily worth $10,000, as it’s only $10 a head.

summed up, different clients and situations call for different methods, imho. –jl

By: Robyn

Robyn — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:38:56 +0000

Linda, another great post! Whether you practice PR alone or with an agency I think across the board we have to re-assess how we are compensated in a way that makes sense for client and practitioner. Thank you for another great reference!