Why does this feel like an open plea to price fix? If outbidding your competition guarantees you work, you should do it.
My plea in the post was to simply charge what's fair to you and the client, but I guess it does seem a little like price fixing. I'm not sure how to convey my thoughts/feelings otherwise though. I hope that made some kind of sense. (apologies for the poor choice of wording on my part)
The rest of the world doesn't owe you anything. If 5 guys down the block are all charging less than half your price and you have a harder time getting clients, it is YOUR fault for not proving your value. As brands, Cadillac, BMW and Volvo do very well. They charge a lot of money for their products in a space where others sell their products for less than half the price. You need to build your brand and prove your worth to your potential clients, assuming your work is as good as your prices indicate. Forget about others, justify yourself or settle for Hyundai and KIA rates.
Because it is. In Australia this blogger might have faced a complaint under the Trade Practices Act[1] for price signalling. A stupid law, but a law nonetheless.
[1] Of course, I am not a lawyer, seek professional legal advice before believing advice you find on the internet.