Devoted to WAHMs -Work at Home Moms

• Lornadoone, who blogs at freelanceParent said,

"We faced this issue early on. For us it was a matter of just needing some sort of income, small or not, in order to be able to move forward. Of the low-paying jobs we did, most were one-time-only situations. For those that weren't, we made sure the client knew upfront that it was special pricing and they shouldn't expect it to stay that way. I think your analogy is a good one."

• James, who blogs at JCM Enterprises has the following advice:

"When you have no visible feedback, reviews or testimonials to back up your rates and help justify them to the client's mind, lower rates can help you gain what you need to be on more stable footing for better rates.

Two things: Note that I did not say rock-bottom dirt cheap stupidly low rates. If everyone else charges $50, charge $45. That's respectable while just a little lower than the rest. Don't go charging $3. Sheesh.

Also note that I didn't say justify your rates to yourself. Writers get all indignant and bent out of shape when someone asks them to justify rates - why? That's a perfectly reasonable request. Saying you have 100 years experience and 50 million published books and not a goddamned review or feedback to show for it isn't enough. Get the backup. Period. If that means lower rates, so be it.

Adjusting your rates: I understand the analogy of the restaurant that raises prices. However, restaurants do usually adjust prices according to the cost of living once or twice a year or so. Grocery stores do the same (anyone bought coffee lately? The price jumps around like Tigger on speed.) Do I bitch? No. I expect rates to be in line with the competition and reflect the market industry.

Submitting a letter to your clients to let them know ahead of time to adjust rates is fine. Give them fair warning. Tell them why. ADJUST SLOWLY. Go from zero to 100 in 1 second flat and you're out of a job.

But generally? Everyone understands that sometimes, prices change."

• Lillie Ammann, who blogs at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye said,

"Excellent points. When I started freelancing more than 10 years ago, I charged a much lower rate than I do now. However, even then, it was not a low rate. I arrived at the rate based on advice from a freelancing friend and from my CPA. I think it was a good beginning rate ($50/hour), but I have much more experience now so my work is worth much more.

It is difficult to raise prices for regular customers, though. I have clients who have been with me for many years, and I don't charge them my current rate. However, I am gradually increasing their prices."

The pricing post was also featured in a post at Women on Business.

Holidays

When I talked about holiday parties, I got some reader response.

• Bridget, who blogs at BizChicksRule and Leader Notes said,

"I work from home and simply do not miss those Christmas parties. I actually enjoy more going to my children's class and friends parties and socializing with those adults. Things are more relaxed and less assuming."

Getting Feedback

I asked for feedback on Work From Home Momma, I got it. Here's part of what some of you said:

• Yvonne Russell, who blogs at Small Biz Mentor and Home Biz Notes said,

"I think you have a great mix here, but I agree with Easton's suggestion.

You have such a wealth of experience, that I've found when you share the things you've learned from your personal experience it's always especially interesting and useful."

• Easton Ellsworth, who blogs at BusinessBlogwire said,

"More stories - personal experiences - from your life and other women's lives. I just love good stories. :) "

Note: I've passed these comments on to the editors at Know More Media.

If you are a WAHM or have a home business and you have anything to say about anything that you see on Work From Home Momma, don't hesitate to leave a comment. We love the feedback!