Better ways to say “here is how much I charge”
Why it can fall flat
“here is how much I charge”
Leaves out any context for the number, and can sound abrupt, as if you expect an argument. You just want to state your price clearly and calmly so the figure makes sense.
Say this instead
- 01
My rate for this project is $60 an hour. Based on the scope we discussed, I estimate about 20 hours, so around $1,200 in total.
Client · Email
Fits a new client asking for a quote, since the rate and the total together make the number easy to judge.
- 02
The standard package is $250. It includes setup and one round of changes. Extra changes are billed separately.
Customer · Chat
Customers who want a quick answer get what the price covers and where it stops.
- 03
For contract work, my day rate is £350. I'm glad to talk through how that fits the scope of the role.
Recruiter / HR · Email
A recruiter sees a clear figure early, so neither side wastes time on a mismatch.
- 04
For the extra reporting work, I'd bill 12 hours at my usual $50 an hour, so $600 in total. Shall I add it to this month's invoice?
Boss · Chat
Extra work outside the original agreement gets paid at your normal rate with this wording.
- 05
Hi Danielle, the fee for the job is $180, payable on completion. Let me know if you'd like me to book it in.
Client · SMS
A short text reply keeps things moving when a client messages you for a price.
- 06
If you're passing my name on, my standard rate is $75 an hour. Please send people my way with the project details so I can quote properly.
Coworker · Chat
Colleagues recommending you get a number they can pass along, plus a nudge to share project details.
- 07
Attached is the invoice for March: $1,200 in total, due within 14 days. The breakdown of hours is on the second page.
Client · Email
Sending an invoice this way puts the amount, deadline and detail in one place.
- 08
Hi Mr. Rao, the quote for the repair is £85 including parts. Reply YES and I'll find a time that suits you.
Customer · SMS
Simple jobs suit it, because the customer only needs the price and one clear next step.
Examples
Hi Alfie, Thanks for sending the brief. For the website copy you described, my fee is $900 for up to eight pages, including two rounds of edits. Payment is split, half to start and half on delivery. If you'd like to go ahead, I can send over a simple agreement this week. Best regards, Priscilla
Hi Marlowe, for the logo project my fee is $450, which includes three concepts and two rounds of revisions. Happy to answer any questions about what's covered.
What to avoid
- Don't apologize for the number or add “sorry, but” before it.
- Opening with “unfortunately” makes a normal price sound like bad news.
- Giving a vague range when you already know the figure only invites more questions.
- Burying the price at the end of a long message makes it easy to miss.
- Defending the price before anyone has questioned it suggests you doubt it yourself.