Top 10 Things You Don't Bill For But Should

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10 Consultation calls

9 Contract prep

8 Thinking up & writing proposals

7 Travel costs (mileage, parking, even time!)

6 Mailing, faxing, copying fees

5 “It's perfect! Just one more thing...”

4 PayPal fees (or other fees you incur when they pay your invoices)

3 Time spent answering "little" emails and brief phone calls

2 Sales tax, if your state is charging you for it

1 The time you spent having those brilliant ideas while on the toilet

The Bottom Line

We've said it before & we'll say it again: Undercharging is a freelancer's disease. Sadly, it's infectious!

We don't just mean charging an hourly rate that's too low, but not charging for your expenses, and not charging for all your time that you use up to serve your client.

Would you feel weird itemizing these on your invoice? Well, that's okay. You don't have to. If you're uncomfortable with saying outright that you're charging for "toilet brainstorming," you're not alone. But you should bill for the time, call it what you like! And the other things, like contract prep or copying fees, you can work into your new, increased hourly rate. Your job is to ensure they're covered, one way or another.

Undercharging hurts everyone. Charging for your time, and your expenses, results in a healthier, happier, more relaxed you... and that means better work for your clients.

That's what we call a happy ending!

Don't forget to check out our Top 10 Reasons to Raise Your Freelance Rates list, too!