Question
How can I find clients that pay $50-100/h for web/mobile development, while even with huge experience I always get $10-15/h?
I've been a web developer for the past 14 years and a mobile one for the past 5. My portfolio is very big (and it includes some big enterprise work) and I can work with almost any language, framework and platform.
Still even after all those years I never managed to charge what I think I am worth. All my client projects run around from US$ 10 to 15/h. Every time that I try to charge more I lose the contract because there is always someone that offers smaller rates.
Note that I am from Brazil and the rates I put are converted to USD, but still they are very small even in the BRL currency. I already got advice from people saying that my rates should be at least US$ 50/h and I also even read some questions in Clarity with the same advice for WordPress, Ruby on Rails and iOS development, which is what I do mostly.
But I still fail to charge what I want and what I find it is reasonable. Even recently I lost a deal with a big company because they preferred a cheaper option.
Points to consider: all of this from remote projects and remote clients (mostly from the US, Canada and some European countries). Is it because I'm from Brazil so international clients are indeed looking for cheaper rates when they are dealing overseas? How to definitely get reasonable rates?
Answer
I just came across this question, and after briefly looking through the answers you have, I am not satisfied with the ideas/solutions they are proposing based on your situation.
I run a design studio, do a great deal of design and development work and hire many designers and developers as contractors around the world. I am 100% confident that I can help you position yourself to raise your rates regardless of where you live in the world.
Send me a message through Clarity and I'll schedule a quick call with you at no charge. I'm sure that in a few minutes I can provide you with a concrete, actionable strategy to reposition yourself in the market quickly.
