In our various walks of life, we often face the challenge of being pressured to lower the prices of our services or products.
This is especially true for those offering services, where customers may hint that others charge less, putting us in a difficult position.
You start questioning your worth and wonder if you’re overcharging, even though lowering your rates may prevent you from making ends meet.
This pressure is particularly felt by those who are just starting out.
You’ve gained some experience, set a price for your service, but then you doubt yourself.
You wonder if someone else is charging less or if people will choose others over you.
Many others may be offering similar solutions, and you question whether you can stand out.
But here’s the thing: others offering the same service may not be providing the solution as well as you are.
Their approach might be different, and yours could be better.
You’ll never know until you give it a try.
Yes, it might take time to attract customers, but as you refine your work, you’ll learn how best to reach them.
Now, on the other hand, there’s another group to consider.
I’ve previously spoken about the importance of not rushing to claim expertise.
It’s crucial to take your time, go through the learning process, gain skills, and get proper mentorship before stepping out on your own.
Many people, in their rush to start earning and living a good life, leave their apprenticeships too soon.
They haven’t mastered their craft, and when faced with customer demands, they cut corners or take on jobs they can’t handle.
This leads to disappointment, and worse, it can tarnish the reputation of the entire profession.
One or two bad experiences with unqualified professionals can lead customers to label the whole field as unreliable.
Therefore, it’s essential to take the time to properly master your craft and avoid shortcuts that will only lead to long-term problems.
For those who have mastered their trade, don’t be shy about promoting your work.
If the skilled individuals stay quiet, the unqualified ones will dominate the market, damaging the reputation of the profession.
You need to stand out and show that there are good, reliable professionals available.
Lastly, regarding the pressure to lower your prices: it’s a tricky situation.
You should do some market research, but don’t be too quick to assume others are better just because they charge less.
Often, the cheaper option doesn’t provide the same quality.
If you’ve taken the time to build a customer base and hone your skills, you can charge what you believe is fair.
Pricing also depends on location —sometimes, it’s not about your skills but the market where you operate.
If your current market can’t afford your rates, consider relocating to a place where customers are willing to pay for quality.
