Is $0.1/word too much to ask?

[58feaef8]

After telling a client I would charge $0.1/word for English to Chinese translation for her incoming ceremony, she immediately closed the job, created a new one, and is now asking freelancers to bid on a $0.02/word task. So many freelancers are bidding on it. Perhaps it's my mistake to inform her of my cost, even educating her to create a milestone instead of hourly to save money. I simply feel like a fool now. 🤢

[colettelewis · Accepted solution]

Put it down to a bad experience, and move on.  I misread your post. Sorry!  I think $0.10 per word is far too low , so is $0.02.  With your background, you should be charging a minimum of $0.05 a word, is the right sort of rate.   But I charge less for long texts (or constant work) and higher rates for shorter texts.  However, one does have to go with the market value up to a point, particularly on Upwork, but don't undersell yourself.

[58feaef8]

Thank you very much, Nichola. After reading so many glamorous articles and interviews about this client, and how she encourages women to become leaders and be bold. I wanted to help this successful entrepreneur/investor/women's advocate. But her message was blunt and rude at the beginning. She was paying other freelancers $5/hour, if Upwork doesn't set a limit, she might even just pay $1/hour. "How wicked!" I was telling myself. Now I have gained a brand new perspective on life, about wealth, fame, and integrity. Might have dodged a bullet as well. Thank you for helping! 🤗

[renata101]

Hi Yi,

I ran across a similar type of client a few years ago. She asked me for all sorts of information and then proceeded to hire a guy with a lower rate. Sometimes the empowerment part is more of an ideal than a practice.

[58feaef8]

I am so sorry, dear Renata. To some people, life is just a little game. They can't help but must use or manipulate others.  Perhaps that is why she was nominated for 40 under 40 awards--for becoming a master manipulator. I can't even imagine working for or with people like them...I call them soul crushers. 

Please take care, dear Renanta. Thank you so much for being here. 

[spectralua]

Do you think that a kind and honest person can be successful (rich and glamorous)? Most get rich at the expense of others by hiring them for a cents per hour. 🤗

[58feaef8]

Very true. I have learned my lesson. 🙂