Ask STC-Montreal: How to Price International Contract Work
Ask Ars Communica | Posted February 20th, 2009
Got questions about technical communication? Ask the community of STC-Montreal. Send us your questions for publication. (Questions may be edited.)
Today’s question to STC-Montreal is about how to price your freelance services.
Dear STC-Montreal,
I’m looking for feedback on pricing writing work in the international market.
For example, suppose my hourly rate contract work is $50 in US currency. A straight currency conversion puts that rate at $60 for the Canadian market and $67.50 for the Australian market.
Is this a realistic way to calculate my rate? What other factors affect pricing across borders?
— E.L. in New York
Join the discussion. Leave your ideas and suggestions for “E.L. in New York” in the comments below.
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
Posted by Jim Royal.
Dear E.L.,
There’s more than exchange rates that affect pricing of contract services; the cost of living varies widely across North America. It would be good to do some research on the going rates for services in the cities where your prospective clients live. This will tell you what their expectations will be, and you will have more information on the competitive landscape than they will.
Fact is, if the going rate for technical writing in City A is $50/hour and the going rate in City B is $75 an hour, you’re better off looking for contract work from employers in City B… even if you actually live in City C where the rate is $40/hour. The employer in City B will more more likely to pay you a higher rate.