A kinder way to say “my rate is”
Why it can fall flat
“my rate is”
People usually say “my rate is” when someone asks what they charge, and a bare number can come across as flat and take-it-or-leave-it. Most writers want to sound confident and still leave room to discuss scope.
Say this instead
- 01
For this project, I charge $60 an hour. Happy to walk you through what that covers and how I'd estimate the total.
Client · Email
Suits a new client asking about price, since it gives the number first and then offers context.
- 02
Based on the role as described, I'm looking for a base salary of around £55,000. Does that sit within the range for this position?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Fits a recruiter asking for your expectations, because it names a figure and invites a response.
- 03
My fee for the logo package is $450. That includes three concepts and two rounds of revisions. Want me to send a written quote?
Client · Chat
Good when the price depends on what is included, so the client sees the value next to the number.
- 04
Hi Kayla, the price for the deep clean is $120 for a 2-bedroom flat. Let me know if you'd like me to book you a slot.
Customer · SMS
Handy for quick quotes to individual customers, with a clear price and an easy next step.
- 05
For this extra project outside my usual role, I'd like to agree a separate fee of ₹15,000. Can we confirm that before I start?
Boss · Chat
Useful when you're asked to take on paid work beyond your job and want the amount settled upfront.
- 06
I charge £40 an hour for design work outside my job. If that suits your budget, I'm happy to take a look at what you need.
Coworker · Chat
Right for a colleague asking a favor that is really paid work, as it stays friendly but clear.
- 07
My day rate is $400, billed for days worked. For the three days we discussed, the total would be $1,200.
Client · Email
Helps when you want to turn a rate into a total so the invoice holds no surprises.
- 08
Thanks for reaching out. For contract work I charge $55 an hour. Happy to talk through the details if that works for you.
Recruiter / HR · SMS
Fits a short reply to a recruiter's text, since it states the price and keeps the conversation going.
Examples
Hi Trevor, Thanks for sending over the brief. For a project of this size, I charge $60 an hour, and I estimate around 20 hours, so about $1,200 in total. If the scope changes, I'll let you know before any extra time is added. Happy to jump on a call if you'd like to go through it. Best regards, Bronwen
Thanks for asking! For the website edits, I charge $50 an hour. I'd estimate about four hours, so around $200. Shall I go ahead?
What to avoid
- Apologizing for the number with phrases like “sorry, but” or “I know it's a lot” weakens it before they read it.
- Words like “just” or “only” shrink your price and invite pushback.
- Giving the figure with no mention of what it covers or how it will be billed leaves the reader guessing.
- Naming a range is risky if its lowest number is one you would not be happy to accept.
- Burying the number at the end of a long message means it can easily be missed.