Here's how you can determine your rates as a freelance videographer.

When determining how to charge your client, the main factors to consider are your time, experience, and the value you provide. Start by setting an hourly or daily rate. Then, estimate the time required for pre-production, production, and post-production. Assess the project's scope, whether it's a large-scale production or a short-form reel, and adjust your rate based on the production value and the benefits it delivers to the client. This pricing structure is the approach I always use when charging clients.

When determining how to charge your client, the main factors to consider are your time, experience, and the value you provide. Start by setting an hourly or daily rate. Then, estimate the time required for pre-production, production, and post-production. Assess the project's scope, whether it's a large-scale production or a short-form reel, and adjust your rate based on the production value and the benefits it delivers to the client. This pricing structure is the approach I always use when charging clients.

Knowing the costs of not only your time, the current going rates for your area AND for the equipment you bring is vital. Many clients don't seem to factor in that equipment rental, the time budget you've spent training yourself and even software subscriptions even come into play when you're a freelancer. So making sure to think of this setting your rates is paramount.

Es clave conocer de antemano los costos que no pueden escaparse en el presupuesto que le brindemos al cliente. En el caso de la edición de video y trabajando de manera remota, los costos varían depende el costo de vida que llevemos, los servicios que consumamos, el equipo que utilicemos para realizar el trabajo, el costo de mantenimiento periodico, el software pago de edicion con el que trabajemos, etc. Calculado este costo, será mas facil poder saber cuanto se precisa de básico para cubrir gastos.

I work in both Africa and Europe, and my rates vary accordingly. It's essential to understand the market rate, the minimum wage in each country, and the prevailing rates for your services in the respective markets. Maintaining competitive pricing is crucial.

En mi caso particular, vivo en Argentina y la inflación se va modificando mes a mes, por lo tanto es de suma importancia mantenerse actualizado e ir averiguando los costos del mercado, mas allá del calculo que podamos tener de acuerdo a la inflación. Los costos pueden ir variando por provedor. Es recomendable siempre estar actualizado y saber un valor aproximado de tu trabajo, por proyecto y por hora.

What experience do you have that sets you apart from others? For me when setting my rate I've looked at my experience with people management on set, large production like working for Netflix or the BBC and my technological knowhow from learning Video Game Development. Now all these skills don't factor in to every job, BUT it's important that I and my clients know that if something is needed and we need to pivot that I'm capable of doing so!

Video production comes in many shapes and sizes and I think it's very important to let potential clients know what your angle or special skill is so they can make a more informed decision.In my case, I love creating and animating 3D characters.Because I'm a voice actor, I can also give them various voices in various tones and styles, from cartoonish to realistic.That's my angle. Secondly,you must have clarity about your do's, don'ts can/cannots etc. Don't say you can if you can't. Don't say you know if you are clueless in the hope that you might figure it out later. That's an amateur thing to do and it's disrespectful to your client's time and resources. Not to mention how badly it will harm your future potential collaborations!

When a potential client contacts me with a brief, I provide a quote and remain open to negotiations. I aim to understand their budget, and if it falls below my minimum acceptable rate, I propose an alternative package at a lower price. Occasionally, I offer a discounted rate to accommodate their budget. My goal is to retain as many clients as possible, but I recognize that I can't accept every job. For projects that don't meet my criteria, I either walk away or refer the client to a colleague who can offer a more affordable service.

That is called growth my brother. The days of just accepting an jobs is over, this is a very good strategy as it free your time and energy on developing your self and the business for the big project that will pay you more and less stress.

Es clave realizar relevamientos y mantenimiento de los equipos con los que trabajamos. Como editores de video es siempre necesario actualizar los equipos y realizar estos mantenimientos de manera periodica ya que es nuestra herramienta de trabajo, así como también invertir en mejoras o recambio de piezas que sean necesarias para mejorar el equipamiento o bien cambiar aquellas que estén dañadas o necesiten ser reparadas.

Yes. I also learned from people who've been in the business for more than 10 years that sometimes you just have to fire a client, and that's ok. That's a tough thing to do,especially if it's a regular client who has been bringing you a regular/predictable income for years. But when you get to a level of expertise where you must raise your prices because your time is worth much more, you also need to work with clients who are able and willing to pay you accordingly.

For me personally, I always follow the below equations when pricing for projects. Each project is unique and pricing does vary. Work equation Time & money = quality work Money & quality = time needed to complete Quality & time = cost of work higher