Hey — it’s Temidayo.
Last week, a client reached out about a web development project, but they wanted me to first research and compare the pros and cons of using Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Zoho Workspace for their business.
Now, I’m willing to make some findings and make recommendations. It’s part of my job as a consultant. I KNOW…
But what you don’t know is that I asked the client to pay more because of the pre-work research I’m going to do.
Now, let me tell you why I did that…
✱ – Extensive Research Demand Premiums
You see, successful freelancers know that clients don’t hire us just so we can flex our skills.
Clients hire us for our knowledge as well so they don’t have to spend time figuring everything out themselves.
This includes the research done before, during, and even after the main work.
But this shouldn’t include EXTENSIVE research.
Because, we’re the ones having to go and spend time racking our brains to know the best options or solutions for their business needs, just to be able to advise them.
And trust me when I say that additional invested time and brainpower are totally worth being paid premium rates for.
Think about it like walking into a consultation with a lawyer…
You pay their full rates only for them to apply their existing knowledge to your situation. Not for them to go study up on entire laws and strategies.
The same should go for freelancers.
You’ve already put in the hours, years, and courses to better your skills. If a client expects you to pause that to go and research entire new areas first? That’s a premium add-on service, PLAIN and SIMPLE.
You just have to let them know that you’re happy to serve them with your skills and knowledge, but anything excessive or extensive will incur more money.
Alright, that’s my $0.02 on this.
