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Freelance Curious

“Thanks, but that’s out of our budget”

Published 7 months ago • 2 min read

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Hi Reader,

Last week, someone reached out to me about one of my services on behalf of their client.

Now I usually do a discovery call first, but they asked me to share my pricing. So I sent over my range. A couple of days later, they replied:

“Thanks, but that’s out of our budget.”

Classic, right?

This is why I never love to lead with numbers.

Even if I break down the service and list what’s included, a DM or email can’t capture the intangibles you bring to the table.

How you think.

How you solve problems.

What it’s actually like to work with you.

A quick message just can’t show that. But a call can.

So here’s how I handle it. When someone asks for pricing upfront, I’ll:

  1. Share a starting price and range. I’m not secretive, just not hyper-specific.
  2. Anchor in value by linking my portfolio or case studies.
  3. Redirect to a call: “If that sounds in line, let’s hop on a quick chat so I can better understand your goals and what you're looking for.”

Of course, everybody has their budgets, so sometimes my rates aren’t a match. And that’s okay. You’re not here to be the cheapest option. You’re here to deliver the most value.

Remember: the clients who get it, get it. You don’t have to convince everyone. Stand firm in the value you bring and let the right ones find you.

I'd love to hear from you: what’s your go-to line when clients bring up budget? Reply and let me know.​
​
‘Til next time!

Big (virtual) hugs,

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I’ve been using the Clockify Google Chrome extension to track my time for years, and it’s been a game-changer for pricing. Seeing how long projects actually take (vs. how long I think they’ll take) helps me quote more accurately and with more confidence. And it's free! Who doesn't love free?

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Jasmine Williams Media is a company that was founded and primarily operates within the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, also known as Toronto, Canada. This land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Freelance Curious

By Jasmine Williams

Freelance freedom doesn’t have to mean chaos. Join 1,500+ creatives getting honest stories and strategies for building a more structured, sustainable business—that still feels like you—every Tuesday night.

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