I was recently contacted through LinkedIn for voiceover gig. It was especially nice since I had never marketed directly to this individual, yet he found me, liked my demos, and sought me out to voice a new app he’s developing. I was thrilled!! But here’s the catch. He’s new to the video app industry and using Kickstarter to get his app up and running. Should I have quoted him industry rates from GVAA?

For this project, my choice was no. I discounted my rate (approximately 25%) and told him so. I have other voice work that I am paid at or above industry rates, so why not charge this client the full rate, or even to turn him down?

Sometimes it’s worth offering a discount to build a relationship that could result in more work – and as it turns out, this client is well connected in the start up industry locally and can refer me out.

I’m all in favor of keeping the voice-over industry strong and not undercutting my worth as a voice actor, but knowing when to discount (and how to explain that to a new client,) and when to charge full rates is a balance act.

But be very careful not to fall into a pattern of discounting. Word of mouth is strong, and your reputation could be tarnished if you’re not quoting your full worth.