If you’ve ever heard “What’s your rate?” and immediately started sweating, you’re not alone. Freelancers and remote workers worldwide, especially in countries like Nigeria and others on the African continent, often struggle with pricing. The worry sounds familiar: Will I scare the client away if I charge too high? Or what if they think I’m not worth it?
But here’s the truth: if you don’t know how to ask for what you’re worth, you’ll keep doing great work for low pay. That’s not sustainable. You’ll burn out, feel unappreciated, and miss out on the financial freedom that freelancing should offer.
So let’s talk about how to charge better. Not just for the sake of money, but for the sake of growth, peace of mind, and long-term success.
1. Know What You Bring to the Table
Before you can ask for more, you need to be clear on the value you’re offering.
- What results have you delivered before?
- What skills are you bringing that not everyone has?
- How do your services help your clients make or save money?
If you’re a designer who makes clean, user-friendly websites that help businesses sell more, say that. If you’re a writer whose email campaigns have improved open rates and conversions, mention it. Data builds confidence in you and your client.
2. Stop Undervaluing Yourself Because of Location
A big trap many African freelancers fall into is setting their rates based on local market realities instead of the value of their work in a global market. The client is in New York, the results are international, but the pricing is in Naira. It doesn’t add up.
Your pricing should match your output, not your country’s economy.
3. Set a Base Rate and Stick With It
It’s not about pulling a number from the sky each time someone asks. Have a base rate that works for your skills, your experience, and your financial goals.
Break it down. If you want to earn $2,000/month, and you can take four clients, that’s $500 per client. If you need to work 20 hours a week to deliver that value, you already know what your time is worth.
That way, when a client asks “What’s your rate?”, you don’t fumble. You already know.
4. Don’t Be Scared to Say No
Some clients will lowball you. Some will ask for more than they’re willing to pay for. If you accept every job, you’ll end up with tight deadlines, low pay, and unnecessary stress.
If a project doesn’t meet your rate, thank them and politely decline. You’re not being difficult. You’re just being clear.
5. Factor in All Your Work
You’re not just paid for hours worked. You’re paid for experience, research, revisions, meetings, tools, software, and even mental energy.
So when you’re negotiating, don’t think about how long it takes you to do the work. Think about what the work actually costs you.
6. Put It in Writing
Once a price is agreed on, document it. Always.
Use contracts, clear proposals, and email confirmations. They help prevent “misunderstandings” later. A good client won’t mind paperwork. A dodgy one will.
7. Make Payment Easy
You’ve closed the deal. Congrats. But if your payment process is difficult or unclear, you might still run into problems.
Make it simple. Offer payment options like USD, GBP, EUR accounts. Use tools like Gigbanc to receive international payments faster and without unnecessary delays. You’ve done the work. Don’t let payment stress ruin it.
Final Words
Negotiation isn’t just about money. It’s about mindset. If you don’t believe in your work, no one else will. Ask for what you deserve, not what you think people are willing to give.
And if they say no? That’s okay, too. The right clients will come, and they’ll pay what you’re worth.