Hacker News Reader

Comment by luckyisgood | Hacker News Reader

I remember the first time I discovered this principle. There was a web project I really didn't feel like doing. A big demanding client wanted a project done in a very short amount of time. I quoted at 3x our price, and it was immediately accepted by the client. The project was successful and we did a great job.

It made me realize one important, no, crucial! thing: If you're mad at your client for any reason, it only means you're not charging him enough. It's very hard to be mad at a client who's paying you a ridiculous amount of money for something you're fabulous at.

View on HN

I can't agree with this quote enough:

"If you're mad at your client for any reason, it only means you're not charging him enough."

Tripling my cost per hour made working with one of my clients much more palatable. Please consider raising your cost if you're not happy with your clients.

How do you triple your cost with an existing client without sounding too arrogant / asshole ? (I really want to know.)

I held a meeting with my client and I told him that I had enough work at the new rate to fill my work week (which was true) and that I didn't want to create a situation where I prioritize some client work over other client word because of the different levels of pay. The client wanted to keep the same rate and quality of service that I had been providing so he agreed. He told me that he obviously wasn't happy with it but that I was worth it. I went into the meeting with two options that I would be happy with: not continuing work for that client, or working at a much higher rate.

Prove yourself first. Then it (should) be rather easy. If they don't accept, time to find another client.

This is some great advice to live by. Sort of goes back to the old mantra of making sure you're getting paid "what you're worth." If something's not worth the headache, then either make the headache worth it or dump the headache.

Reminds me of a friend of mine doing the same thing for a short project. He did not want to do it, but he did want a new airplane so he quoted a ridiculous price; which they accepted. He once referred to the project as building the airplane which I suspect completely changed his perspective on the whole thing.

If you're mad at your client for any reason, it only means you're not charging him enough. It's very hard to be mad at a client who's paying you a ridiculous amount of money for something you're fabulous at.

I totally agree. It really helps you prioritize projects based on what's more important to the client (whose proxy is their willingness to pay), and make both of you happier.

I'm only echoing what others have said, both here and elsewhere, but I've yet to take this advice myself. Perhaps I need to find more bad clients so I'm forced to try this...

Reply on news.ycombinator.com