Just realized my whole pricing model was wrong after a talk with a client in Denver

Last month, I was at a client's house in Denver, and she asked me point blank why I charged the same hourly rate for hauling away old mulch as I did for designing her new perennial border. I had always just bundled everything together, but her question made me see that I was undervaluing my design skill and overcharging for simple labor. Has anyone else had a moment like this that made them completely rework how they charge for their services?

3 comments

3 Comments

wesleyb202mo ago

Did your clients ever push back on the new, higher design rate at first?

ruby_henderson362mo ago

Had a few people question it at first, for sure. I just explained the value they're getting now versus before, like better materials and more detailed plans. Most came around when they saw the final result was way higher quality. Sticking to your rate shows you believe your work is worth it, and clients pick up on that confidence.

spencer_owens582mo ago

Totally get this, had the same wake up call last year. Started breaking out my fees into design time, skilled install, and basic labor. Clients actually liked seeing the breakdown because it showed my expertise. My income went up and I stopped feeling ripped off moving piles of rocks.