paybacksa - 4:40 am on Mar 4, 2004 (gmt 0)

If you don't know what you can get, you haven't done your homework (that's ok, but then don't worry about how you price). You need to know your client's emotional and business "drivers". What does she need, and what can she pay. All this talk of task work for per-task pay is harmful since it makes web designers no better than bagel rollers - piece work (I used to get $15/300 bagels). You should be paid what is available - every time.

You will never see the super successful competing for a client. They take it off-line, lead the client towards a decision to pay their price, and quickly walk away from the low-profit opportunities. Confidence is key.

Never say "that would cost $$" but instead say "I can do that for you for $$". Whether you like it or not, you need to let the client choose between YOU and THE OTHER GUY. If you alow the client to choose between YOUR PRICE and THE OTHER GUY'S PRICE you are selling yourself short. Of course, if you never get chosen, you need tolisten to that and do something about your presentation.