Should I demand $800/hr for my services?

@TheHorse (220068)
Walnut Creek, California
August 9, 2021 9:37pm CST
I read at the pool today that Michael Cohen charges only $700/hour for his services as a lawyer. But I, as a a person with a higher degree, have been charging only $200/hour for my services. And most of the time, I give my clients my "starving student" rate, which is 1/2 of my normal rate. The flaky preschool lady has been getting my services for virtually free. Should I start charging more for my services? I am not into this for the money. I sincerely want people to write the best dissertation possible, or get their statistics right, or get a new business going, or do the best they can for their already-existing company. Should I start charging more? Or just chill?
20 people like this
19 responses
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
10 Aug 21
In my country groceries are as expensive as in yours, but salaries are much less. I´d be happy to earn the least you earn
6 people like this
@vandana7 (100531)
• India
10 Aug 21
In India, where I live, that amount would meet my half month's expenses..almost. LOL And there are two of us, and it includes Internet, conveyance, and househelp charges. Imagine.
6 people like this
@prashu228 (37524)
• India
10 Aug 21
@vandana7 do you mean $700 for half month ...
4 people like this
@vandana7 (100531)
• India
10 Aug 21
@prashu228 No way...just 200 half month...that is about 15000 for half month.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (471992)
• Switzerland
10 Aug 21
Before asking yourself that question... would the others be ready to pay you more or would they search for another adviser?
5 people like this
@LadyDuck (471992)
• Switzerland
10 Aug 21
@TheHorse I would be grumpy too, she has to pay you, she has waited already too long.
4 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 21
@LadyDuck I hadn't realized that people from Africa were not always the most dependable when it came to payment for services. Live and learn.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
In all seriousness, I've never charged anyone even $200/hour for my Consulting. I'm just grumpy because that flaky lady hasn't paid me for some pretty simple services.
4 people like this
@xander6464 (44387)
• Wapello, Iowa
10 Aug 21
Life's short. Charge more.
3 people like this
@xander6464 (44387)
• Wapello, Iowa
10 Aug 21
@TheHorse My view is: If you haven't learned it in 26 years, it ain't worth learning!
3 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
@xander6464 Actually, I think my best year is going to be 27, but my dad always said, "Don't wish your years away."
3 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
If I can get away with it. But I'm only 26. I still have a lot to learn.
3 people like this
• United States
10 Aug 21
Supply and demand dictates the range for your compensation. You can only charge what the market allows. A higher degree doesn't guarantee a higher salary. A good hooker can pull in a thousand dollars an hour. If your clients were all wealthy, your fee of 800/hr. would be a reasonable amount to charge. You could just chill or find wealthier clients. Or start hooking.
4 people like this
@vandana7 (100531)
• India
11 Aug 21
Are you advising him to find a good hooker? I did not expect that...
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
@Vikingswest1 Sigh. Ah, Trixie. But I REALLY remember ol' Whatzername. She was something else!
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341752)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Aug 21
The labourer is supposed to be worthy of his hire. I guess it depends if you're happy with the amount or not.
3 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
In reality, I'm just grumpy because Cohen can charge $700/hr, and I'm kvetching about a lady who is hiding from me and won't pay me the $400 she owes me.
3 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
@JudyEv I think she is paid by one of the social service agencies, regardless of who she pays to support (work for) her. I worry that he is keeping this money for herself, rather than hiring and paying teachers, as she is supposed to.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (341752)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Aug 21
@TheHorse I don't understand people who don't pay what they owe. Do you think maybe she doesn't have the money?
3 people like this
10 Aug 21
I think if you are enjoyed your activity right now, you may not change anything. Just find out the other income?
4 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
I do enjoy the teaching I do.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 21
@Miladmalik But I admit that I like to be paid for my services.
10 Aug 21
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160883)
• United States
10 Aug 21
You can charge whatever you like. Whether or not people will pay you is a different story. Seems you are learning that with the flaky lady.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Aug 21
Yeppers. It's a learning experience. I hadn't realized that Africans tend to be "causal" about paying people money they owe. One European MyLotter said it's pretty common. But the Africans I've worked with here in the US have seemed to be of high integrity. They didn't owe me money, though.
@wolfgirl569 (107878)
• Marion, Ohio
10 Aug 21
If you are happy with what you are getting then just chill
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 21
I am slowly getting tired of being a "do-gooder" for others.
1 person likes this
@xFiacre (13117)
• Ireland
10 Aug 21
@thehorse I suppose it all depends on how much people are prepared to pay. Putting your prices up may result in a loss of clients. Those who pay a big lawyer silly money obviously think it’s worth it - maybe they have a lot to lose if they aren’t that well lawyered up.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
People like Michal Chen do a good job of hooking up with "high stakes" clients. I work mostly with very small businesses and people working on dissertations.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61561)
• Centralia, Washington
10 Aug 21
Try it and see what happens.
3 people like this
@just4him (317249)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
10 Aug 21
I think you should charge more. Make them believe they're getting a good deal.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
I like your attitude!
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 21
@just4him Dang my Judeo-Christian values. I gotta make what I'm worth.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317249)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
10 Aug 21
@TheHorse Thank you.
2 people like this
@JESSY3236 (20046)
• United States
10 Aug 21
no. I don't think so. My mother is a painter (as in painting houses). And she sometimes does side jobs and she is always asking if she should charge more than she does. But I always say no.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
Does she enjoy what she's doing? I think that's the most important thing.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 21
@JESSY3236 I get restless when I'm sitting at a desk. OK, I'm sitting at a desk now. Let me reword that. I get restless when I am FORCED to sit at a desk.
2 people like this
@JESSY3236 (20046)
• United States
10 Aug 21
@TheHorse yes she does. She also loves working in a office too. She once said that she could get another office job, but she would miss painting.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (181321)
• United States
10 Aug 21
Depends on if what you're doing merits $200 per hour. What type of services are you offering? Psychological? A psychiatrist's fee?
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (181321)
• United States
29 Aug 21
@TheHorse Of course, we're prejudiced. We think you're worth every penny of whatever you charge!
• Shenzhen, China
10 Aug 21
I think your income should be in proportion to your ability,If your service is well,i think you should request higher pay for your efforts.after all,everything is concerned with money in a city.
3 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47619)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
10 Aug 21
Just what services are we talking about here?
2 people like this
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
10 Aug 21
Charge more. See how it goes. If it doesn't pan out right you can always scale back to what you are previously charging.
1 person likes this
@dya80dya (36773)
10 Aug 21
Just chill.
2 people like this
• India
31 Aug 21
LOL yes you can raise the rate to double so $400 per hour would be fine
• Philippines
11 Aug 21
I think that depends on your lifestyle, like does your salary paid your expenses enough in your household?do still have enough to put into your savings?
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Aug 21
I do. But I've always been told I "sell myself short."
1 person likes this