Appreciation post: I cut my rates to get more work and it backfired hard

I was slow last month, so I dropped my hourly rate from $85 to $60 thinking I'd get flooded with clients. Instead, I got three inquiries that all ghosted me after the first call. One guy even said 'I figured you were new and desperate' when I asked why he didn't reply. I learned cheap clients often think you're low quality, not a good deal. Now I'm back at my normal rate and the serious leads are actually returning my emails. Has anyone else had this happen when they tried to lower their prices?

2 comments

2 Comments

price.logan1mo ago

Isn't it wild how dropping your price can make people think you're worse at your job? You went from a pro to someone they assume is desperate, all because of a number. That guy saying the quiet part out loud is brutal, but at least he gave you the answer. Honestly, the whole thing feels like a weird mind game where charging more makes you look more legit. Glad you went back to your normal rate and the good clients came back.

mark491mo ago

It's that weird psychology where people use price as a shortcut for quality. They see a lower number and their brain fills in the blanks with all the worst reasons for it. You basically paid to learn that lesson, which sucks, but at least it's a clear one. The clients you want are the ones who see your normal rate as an investment, not an expense.