How to Stand Out When Sending a Quote
<p><em>Too expensive? Not enough expensive? When you are a freelancer, it can be stressful to send your first quote. Unfortunately, since we cannot read our potential customers’ minds, it is difficult to know whether our fees and offers are attractive. Therefore, let us give you a few tips to help you stand out when sending a quote.</em></p>
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<h3>The importance of charging your services at their fair value</h3>
<p>Before we start, it is vital to discuss a critical topic: the importance of charging your services at a fair value when you are a freelancer. A mistake made by many people when they start is asking for a ridiculously low price, hoping to stand out from the competition and therefore get their first clients. It is not a good strategy because it will be challenging to have enough to pay all your bills without having to work a significant number of hours. Moreover, when you realize your fees are too low, convincing your clients to accept paying more for the same services will be challenging.</p>
<p>Consequently, even if it requires confidence and research, take the time to calculate a reasonable fee. You likely wanted to become a freelancer for a better quality of life. </p>
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<h3>A few tips for creating an attractive quote</h3>
<p>Now, what can you do to ensure <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-come-up-with-a-winning-quote" target="_blank">sending a winning quote</a>? What can you do to increase your chances of being chosen among all the freelancers?</p>
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<p><strong>Do a discovery call before sending the quote</strong></p>
<p>Here is our first tip: if you have the opportunity to do it, we strongly recommend that you take the time to meet your potential client before sending the quote. It can be an informal meeting in a coffee shop or a virtual appointment. This <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/why-offer-discovery-calls-to-potential-clients">discovery call</a> will allow you to understand this person's needs, values, and worries better. This way, creating a custom offer that your potential client will like will be easier.</p>
<p>Moreover, it is also a way to see if you would like to work with this person and whether the project interests you.</p>
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<p><strong>Get an idea of the market</strong></p>
<p>On another topic, it could be relevant to have an idea of the fees in your field. For example, if you are a member of a professional association, you could get information about this. Otherwise, you can check your competitors. There is no need to spy on them directly, but you could consult their websites to retrieve information.</p>
<p>Do not forget that the reality of a freelancer is different from that of an employee. It is for this reason that the fees are so different. For example, a freelancer should ask for at least $40 an hour when considering taxes and social charges.</p>
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<p><strong>Explain what is included</strong></p>
<p>Another mistake often made by people who send quotes is not explaining what is included with the fee. Prices can be scary, especially if it is the only thing your potential client sees on the quote. Thus, if you take the time to add a description, it can reassure them and help them understand more easily the value of your offer.</p>
<p>For instance, let us say that you are a community manager and wish you send a quote. Of course, you will display a price. Still, you should state everything that the price includes: new trends and relevant network research, strategic monitoring, creation of visuals, adaptation of content on all accounts, content writing, monitoring statistics… Unlike what some may think, being a good community manager is much more than publishing something on Facebook once in a while.</p>
<p>In Momenteo, adding a description below your invoicing elements to explain what this service includes is possible.</p>
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<p><strong>Consider offering a package if it is relevant</strong></p>
<p>Could you offer<a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/billing-your-services-the-packages" target="_blank"> a package</a> instead of an hourly rate? It could be a way to create a quote that stands out with a fair price. We noticed that more and more freelancers choose this option when they provide their services.</p>
<p>There are several advantages to billing a package. First, it allows to provide many complementary services at a price that is interesting for both the client and the freelancer. It can also be easier to sell than an hourly rate, especially if the needed working time can vary. Of course, your package must meet the needs of your clients if you want to have a chance to stand out.</p>
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<p><strong>Show your colors</strong></p>
<p>Finally, a way to stand out from the competition when sending a quote is to customize everything. The price remains important, but a potential client could choose according to personality if two offers are similar. Therefore, do not hesitate to show your colors and use branding elements like your logo directly on your quote.</p>
<p>Did you know that it is possible to <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/4-ways-to-personalize-your-invoices" target="_blank">customize your invoices</a> and quotes in Momenteo? Indeed, in step 2, you can choose a template, a color palette, a font, and the position of some elements. Our invoicing software allows you to create a professional-looking quote in just a few clicks, but remember to add your branding elements if you want to stand out easily.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, creating a quote can be challenging, but it will become easier with time. Start by meeting your potential client and learning more about their actual needs, finding out more about the rates in your field, answering any questions, and customizing everything. Then, be proactive and do not hesitate to contact your potential client if needed. It is better to get a negative response than no response at all. Good luck!</p>