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Why You Should Not Charge Your Clients Hourly as a Freelancer

Unlocking Client Satisfaction: The Pitfalls of Hourly Rates in Freelance Work

Sunil Kumar
4 min readAug 17, 2023

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When it comes to pricing your freelance services, the choice between charging clients by the hour and adopting a project-based approach is a pivotal decision.

Although charging clients by the hour may seem like a logical and practical strategy initially, there are alternative methods that often prove more effective in the long run.

In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of both pricing strategies and explore why adopting a project-based approach might offer greater benefits for both you and your clients.

The Pitfalls of Hourly Pricing

At first glance, charging clients an hourly rate appears straightforward — you aim to match your desired wage and pass on that cost to your clients.

However, this approach has significant drawbacks that can undermine client satisfaction and hinder your ability to build long-lasting relationships.

One key issue with hourly pricing is that it leaves the client’s bill open-ended. When clients hear your hourly rate, they lack a clear understanding of the total cost.

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Sunil Kumar

I write about how to become a better developer, freelancing and making money on the internet. I can write articles that rank on Google. Available for hire.