Ask for $55, then agree to meet in the middle at your current $45 if they balk.
Unless you're set on getting $55 out of them :)
Unless you're set on getting $55 out of them :)
For example they tend to respond to standard negotiating techniques, such as quoting them a higher standard rate then offering a discount in negotiation.
Walking away is fine as long as your confident in your ability to immediately get work at your rate but it doesn't prove your rate out - people paying it does.
There is a slightly dated, but highly relevant book I'd recommend - Janet Ruhl's Computer Consultant's Guide - http://www.amazon.com/Computer-Consultants-Guide-Strategies-...