Thread: How should I ask for a raise?

I've been working for this one client exclusively for quite some time. I get huge amounts of articles from him, but the pay is low. I perform exceptionally well. I get projects done very quickly, I update him constantly on my progress, and I take on new things that he may need.

When we first started he said "Let's start at 1 cent per word. After awhile you can earn more per word." I was desperate, so I took that opportunity. My usual rate is 1.3-2 cents per word. The articles I write for him are VERY unique, and written with perfect grammar and spelling.

It's been months, and there hasn't been a raise. I realize that he is giving me a large volume of work, but I can't help but feel like my work is worth more.

How should I go about asking him for a slight raise (from 1 cent to 1.2 cents, or even 1.1 cents), without seeming pushy or ungrateful?

Hello {Name}

Hope you're doing great as usual. I'm on the jobs you assigned me recently. Here is something that I'd really appreciate if you consider.

I'm hope you're pleased with the articles I have written for you so far and quality would be my first concern in future too. I just wanted you to reconsider our writing rates. It'd be so kind and friendly of you if you can make it 1.5 cent per word and I'm sure my content quality deserves this little reward.

It's just a friendly request and it'd surely help me devote more time to your assignments and develop our business relationship better and stronger.

Thank you so much for being supportive and helpful customer throughout

Have a blessed weekend

Something like should work.

Thank you for your input. I will consider saying something along those lines. I want to hear what others have to say too! Maybe this thread will help other people out if they have a similar problem.

Tell the client that you only can provide so many articles at the low rate because you have to eat. Justify the rate increase in that it's taking more time providing dedicated writing services.

I think the hardest part about asking for the raise is thinking about what will your counter response be if he/she says "Sorry the economy is too bad, I can't afford to pay you more than the current rate"....ie, if this is the client that helps you pay rent, buy your groceries,etc can you afford to walk away if they say can't do?

Tell, don't ask. You don't work for your client, you work with them. If you need more money, then simply inform your client of your raise in rates. It's great to have a returning client, and if they keep coming back to you, then your services are worth it.

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Dear {name},

Because of the current economic situation I have decided to raise my rates to [new price]. I sincerely hope that you will consider the previous work I have done for you and the value they have brought to your websites. While there may be cheaper writers online, there are none that can compete with my quality and continued dedication.

In the event this rate is still too high for you to pay, perhaps you might consider the idea of lessening the volume of articles monthly, which gives me more time to research and proofread, giving you even more bang for your buck!

It has been a great pleasure to work with you and I look forward to our continued partnership. Looking forward to your reply, have a great day!

{your name}

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If your client drops you, ask them for a recommendation and a testimonial and move on to a new client who can and will pay for quality and great customer service.

That's a good point Corey. Do you think its better that he "tells, asks, etc" once backup work is lined up to pay the bills (or money saved to get through the lull) if this is his primary client?
Cheers,
James

Originally Posted by javanx3d

That's a good point Corey. Do you think its better that he "tells, asks, etc" once backup work is lined up to pay the bills (or money saved to get through the lull) if this is his primary client?
Cheers,
James

When lining up back-up work, use the new, higher rate. New clients don't need to know that you've been working for less up until now. Once you have clients who will pay the rates you're offering, then inform your primary client.

Thank you all for your input. The only thing I don't want to say is "give me less work", the loads of work is NOT a problem. If he could give me more work I would be alright with less pay. Remember though, I'm only asking for a very small increase. Even a temporary increase would be nice.

Originally Posted by CoreyFreeman

Tell, don't ask.

That's the best damn advice yet.


What are your clients doing telling you what your services are worth?

Better yet...what are your clients doing telling you what you are worth?


If it takes you an hour to write a 500 word article and you are giving them away at a penny a word, that's $5.00 an hour...and do you write 8 to 12 articles a day? With research, keyword optimization, spelling and grammar checking, one article an hour is dreaming.

Clients don't set rates. You tell them what your services cost.

Frankly, you let this one client use you, and they were looking for somebody to use. Tell them straight forward what your prices are. Forget this 1.1 cents a word and tell them it is 1.5 cents a word, at a minimum; they are making a hell of a lot more than that with your articles and basically using you as a cheap whore.

Pardon my brutishness, but that's just me. I'm the same way in person, just a lot uglier.



My suggestion for a letter:


Dear Whoring John

Ooops...I'll start again


Dear Client

I am writing to inform you of an update to our agreement for my article writing services. I have been providing an excellent service for many months now at a much reduced rate compared to what I charge my other clients. Being that you have been a new client I have considered the lower rate a courtesy to you.

Being that I am appreciative of our business relationship and feel that we have maintained a good relationship, I am only increasing my rate to [insert] a word. This works out best for both of us as it is a time investment for me to continue to write articles while continuing to provide you with a service above par, yet maintaining an economically friendly rate to you.

I thank you for your continued use of my services and will update the billing to reflect the new rate on my next article delivery.

Thank You



This is a sales pitch. In sales, you do not ask for the order...someone has the opportunity to say no. Assume the close (agreement). Use language which speaks to an agreement, not that asks permission.

You will also notice that I have not mentioned the rate increase up front. If you do that, they'll stop reading there; kind of like going to someone's front door and saying 'this set of encyclopedias is only $2000 dollars' before you have even pitched them.

As Corey said: tell, don't ask. I'll addend that to: assume, don't ask. Sell your services and the relationship you have had with the client, as well the low rates you are providing and continued low updated rates you are providing.


Good luck.