How to raise rates after working with a client over a year?
958985
PER YOU RECENT INPUT -be nice, consider no letter at all. Talk to them in person and let them know you have had to endure increases and you need to increase your rates. Ask them for their input as to what they would consider reasonable. In this way, what they say may be fine. If it is too much, you can knock it down (how great that would be!), if it is not enough, tell them the truth, they do now want to lose you. Either way, it is sort of their decision as well - this is what friends are for. Not that they are necessarily firends, but it will endear you to them and make you a much more valuable person to them.\n\nOut of curisity, what type of graphics do you specialize in? Please do not answer if you feel this is too personal.\nThank you.\n\nFIRST ATTEMPT AT AN ANSWER:\nHow close are you to them?\n\nNot close, just professional?\nA letter that is straightforward, something along the lines of:\n\nDear XXX,\n\nI have valued your business now for over XXX. I am sorry to say that due to recent increases to the cost of my doing business,  I have found it necessary to raise my hourly rates from $XXX to $XXX as of such and such a date.\n\nI apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.\n\nIf you have any questions, please contact me either by phone or in person so I may answer them for you.\n\nSincerely,\nXXXX\n\nCloser to you than that?\n\nHi XXXX,\n\nDoing work for you has been very enjoyable, I want to thank you for trusting me with your graphic needs.\n\nRecently, I have had to deal with rent, utility, and fuel expenses. Due to these new costs, I must increase my charges in order to continue serving your needs. I have worked hard to keep my hourly rates at XXX for as long as I could, but as of XX XX I will be billing at the rate of XX XX.\n\nI am truly sorry if this causes any undue hardship, please call me if there are any issues I should know about. I will call you within the next week to follow-up.\n\nThank you so-and-so,\n\nXXXX
279591
you could probably go to court talk to a judge and work out some sort of payment plan and get it paid off in a year.
1014982
Never hurts to ask.  Be prepared to tell them why.  Has the going rate for contractors in your area of expertise increased?  Has the services you provide changed or the scope of those services changed or not?  If you ask for more than the going rate, the company may get bids from other contractors who are willing to provide the service for less.
1172662
Actually I work for a company that consolidates student loans, I can help you. Call 1800 710 0114 first thing monday morning and ask to speak with Yvette. \nI'd be happy to help you and anyone else you know that needs help locking into to the interest rate for this year. Good Luck!!!!
1037277
I am a photographer of some years in the busines and could write you a seminar on this subject--but I will spare you that---suffice to say here--the best advice on this that I can give you--and advice that will serve you well is--price out the competition in your area (services in various places fluxuate wildly)---make at least three or four inquiries and get full details--then as a new service--come in somewhat under the lowest bid out in order to have a price leverage point in which to encourage new business---as your business increases with time--increase your prices to reflect the experience you have gained---------Best of Everything to You --welcome aboard the business and I might say --you have choosen a demanding field but it is packed with rewards and it is a career that has given me one dickens of a life !!!!!
582574
The interst rate has gone up and probably will again in another months time. I would suggest to wait....
1112847
give them salary in two part : One part is fixed pay and second part is incentive / performance base. Also regularly meet them and encourage them.
924708
Talk to the manager right up front and explain the situation to them. You'll often find that they'll understand and work with you. Some may require a larger deposit but some won't. Being upfront with them will save a lot of time and will get their respect.
121717
The "initial consultation" should be free.  If they want a per-hour rate, and you've never done this before, I'd consider $20-$25 to start (once you are real good, you can figure more), but only you know what your time is worth.  Also, I'd suggest a fixed bid - most people like this better.\n\nMeet with the people who want you to do the work, and define roughly the scope of the project - number of pages, graphics, operation, etc.  Then estimate how many hours you THINK it's going to take, double it, multiply that by what you think your time is worth, and quote that.\n\nOnce you get the job, you will score points if they have minor changes and you don't charge them extra.  However, if they come up with major modifications that are not reasonable (in our mind), don't hesitate to tell them that the changes "are not in the scope of the original design" and will cost more - and be prepared to quote a number when they ask "how much more?".\n\nDon't expect to get paid ANYTHING until you deliver SOMETHING.
531245
if you were in an accident and either it was your fault or you had contributory negligence, and the company paid the other party, your premium might go up since a claim was paid that was your fault- your premium can only be raised upon the anniversary renewal date-not before-in texas that is-if it was contributory negligence of both parties involved- you might not have an increase- its all up to the policy underwriter on the case- if the co. pays out claims on your behalf they might need to rasie your premium so they can stay in business- i am a retired CFP & CPA-good luck to you....
936779
First, you need to make sure that you have trackiing software set up, so you know when someone is going to a site of a client.  Then you need to make an agreement up in writing that the client banks will have to sign in order to be listed.  Then you need to decide if the payout should be coming from a simple link to them, by majority, or if you should recieve $X from them based on the services that the person you send buys from your client.  The latter is the hardest, as you really have no way of telling what happens after your site visitor leaves your site to visit your client's site, and becomes a faith based accounting system which rartely will work to your advantage.  I would propose charging $x to list a client bank, plus a click-thru rate of each visitor you send to them.  Let's say that a bank is willing to pay you $30.00 for the initial listing and link from your site.  Each customer you generate for them is going to bring money to them that they can loan to others at let's say 5% interest on loans.  If the average Joe deposited $1000.00 the bank will make $50.00 APR on that deposit, so you should charge like $10.00 per person you send that becomes their new customer. http://www.PayPal.com is currently paying $5.00-$10.00 per new account you send to them, and maybe you can use their system as an example for your own.  Hope this helps.
981627
Companies will not negotiate rates with you.\n\nHowever, I have heard of companies who match competitor's rate offers for business they already have.  Since state insurance regulators have to approve each company's rates, I'm not sure how insurers get away with that but they do.\n\nIn terms of why your rates keep going up.....it is totally dependent on the claims experience of your company.  If your company faces higher and higher claims costs.....you will pay more in higher premiums, even if you've had no accidents.
1090115
Offer first time client discounts, discounts or free massages for clients who refer new customers to you, hand out cards to existing clients that have a coupon (just write $10 off on back) to give out to friends, etc.\nAdvertising can be important, but it is usually expensive for the independent mt and although you build your name, can be slow to bring clients in the door.\nIn my view, it's most important to utilize the clients you already have by the above AND giving your best to every client, every time.  Go out of your way to research problems they have, get continuing education specifically for the problems you see most in your practice, provide home care and referrals as you see indicated, spend the time to get to know your clients and meet their needs.  Going the extra mile wins client loyalty and makes them feel special.  Clients who get this kind of care are your best advertisment!
149341
I think the key here is that you 'want' a change, but you 'need' at least 55k. It sounds like you need to stay put, unless you can demonstrate that you are worth more in a brand new profession than you are in your profession of 15 years.
599183
By all means, send ALL clients a letter informing them of your new policies. They will then decide if they wish to remain a client of yours in good standing or not. To not inform them raises the appearance of having a stated payment policy, but only requiring some of your clients to follow it. This could give new clients a reason to challenge your policies. If the slackers leave because of the new policy, no big loss. You will have handled it in a professional manner.
835736
Assuming the service was satisfactory, 15%-20% is appropriate.  Just remember, the person providing the service to you does not usually receive the entire $100 fee you paid.  A portion of that goes to overhead and other related costs.
708799
First of all I'd recommend you come up with a contract for clients. Right now you are using verbal agreements and emails as you said above. That will hold up to some degree but to put everything in writing and having your client sign a contract with you before the job ensures your payment one way or another. The emails will hold up in small claims court but you may end up with less than your bill states because you did not have a solid written contract with your client. In the end the it will be your word against his with the emails swaying it your way. Though again, get agreements in writing to have a record of the transaction. With that situations like this will be very easy to resolve without alot of hassle and "he said, she said". Good luck and next time get it in writing.