Pricing is the decision freelancers agonise over most. Charge too little and you burn out; charge too much without proof and you lose bids. Here is a simple, repeatable framework.
Step 1: Work out your floor rate
Start with what you need to earn in a year, including taxes, health cover, software, equipment and time off. Divide by realistic billable hours (most full-time freelancers bill 1,000–1,400 hours a year, not 2,000). That is your minimum hourly rate.
Step 2: Account for platform fees
On Tasqerr, the platform retains 15% of each project payment, so you receive 85%. To net your floor rate, divide it by 0.85. For example, to net $50/hour, quote about $59/hour.
| You want to net | Quote at least |
|---|---|
| $30/hr | $35/hr |
| $50/hr | $59/hr |
| $75/hr | $88/hr |
| $100/hr | $118/hr |
Step 3: Choose your pricing model
- Hourly for ongoing, changing or hard-to-scope work.
- Fixed price for well-defined deliverables. Price the outcome and protect yourself with a clear scope and a revision limit.
- Value-based when your work directly drives revenue or savings. Anchor your price to the client’s return.
Step 4: Raise rates as proof grows
Each strong review and portfolio piece is leverage. Many successful freelancers raise rates for new clients every few months while honouring existing agreements.
Step 5: Bid selectively
Because unlocks cost money, chasing every job at the lowest price is a losing strategy. Focus your unlocks on jobs where your experience matches closely and the budget fits your rate.
Compare unlock packs to plan your monthly bidding budget.