Anil Dash: Pay By The Hour

I found this interesting tidbit from blogger and onetime freelancer Anil Dash about deciding on a price for freelance work:

1. Slap the client in face.
2. Tell the client your hourly rate.

If the person looked more shocked, horrified, offended, hurt, saddened, or wounded by the slap in the face, then you are still pricing yourself too low.

He goes on to say that "eye-poking may be substituted for slapping in some states." Though this is obviously tongue-in-cheek, I think the main points are these:

1. Don't give the client a price you think they want to hear
2. Don't undervalue your own work
3. To hell with politeness! This is business!

Disclaimer: Following this procedure is not recommended to anyone hoping to get repeat business from their clients.