Even though your clients might consider their project an emergency, the truth is that your job as a freelancer is not necessarily going to save lives. So how can you balance your client’s desire to have a really fast turnaround with your sanity as a professional? Try experimenting with freelance rush fees.
Now, there are a variety of definitions of “rush job.” What we’re talking about here is something like a client getting in touch with you on Friday and needing the project turned around by Monday.
Most often, this scenario happens when the client does not have a project manager or a cohesive plan for their business activities. And it’s always completely up to you whether you agree to take on a rush job.
Does This Project Need a Rush Fee? How to Decide…
As the CEO of your business, you get to determine your timelines around every project you accept. So freelance rush fees will vary from one situation to another—and from one freelancer to another. You might decide that your policy is to apply a rush fee when a client wants a project finished within 48 hours. Or if the project would require you to work on a weekend.
You could also have your freelance rush fees structured so that a 24-hour turnaround is priced higher than 48-hours. No matter how you determine your fee structure, it’s a good idea to set up parameters for yourself so you don’t have to make a new determination every single time.
You get to decide the difference between a “typical” timeframe and a “rush job” time frame. But be careful to take ownership if you end up rushing because of your own time mismanagement. For example, if a project kicked off a week ago and you promised to have it done by this Friday, it’s not the client’s fault if you wait until Thursday to gather additional, necessary information.
How To Calculate Freelance Rush Fees
Once you’re clear on what constitutes a rush job in your business, you’ll need to figure out how much to charge. Here are a couple of ways to consider as you make your calculations:
1. Percentage-Based
One common way to calculate a rush fee is to tack on a percentage of the typical project price. So if a “normal” timeframe puts a project at $1,000, you might add a 50% rush fee, which puts the total price at $1,500.
You can use any percentage that feels comfortable to you. And you can also use different percentages for different situations!
Regardless of how you go about a percentage-based rush fee, set your parameters up ahead of time. Will you charge 25% if the project is requested within 48 hours, and 50% if it’s within 24 hours? Will you charge a 100% fee if the job requires that you give up your weekend?
2. Flat Fee Rush Fees
Some freelancers choose to charge a flat $100 (for example) for any project they deem a rush project. The beauty of this is that it’s less math. But the downside is that, depending on the complexity of the project, you may end up short-changing yourself.
A flat $100 fee on a $1,000 base project is only a 10% increase. That might be adequate if you’re able to complete the work within normal business hours. But it might feel way too low if the project ends up consuming your evenings and/or weekends.
How Much Does Your Client Need to Know About Your Freelance Rush Fees?
There are two sides to this coin. On one hand, clients don’t like to feel that they’re being nickel-and-dimed. And on the other hand, it’s beneficial for you to call out that you are doing the client a bit of a favor by shortening your typical time frame for them. You’re helping them out of a jam even though you’re charging them a premium to do it.
We don’t really recommend calling out a rush fee as a line item on a proposal. Instead, call attention to the rushed nature of the job and point out that this is not a typical timeline. Most clients will completely understand and will accept that freelance rush fees are simply part of a business relationship.
Best case? You create an opportunity to make your client aware of your rush fees ahead of time. You really want to encourage clients to plan ahead and respect your time. This kind of information will help your client prepare.
If you’re working with a client on an hourly agreement, you’ll definitely need to discuss your rush rate. You may implement a time-and-a-half policy for this type of scenario.
When is it a Good Idea to Waive Your Freelance Rush Fees?
Just because you have a rush fee policy in place doesn’t mean you *always* have to enforce it. (This is your business, remember?) There may be instances where you choose to waive the fee. For example, if you work with a client consistently and you know there will be minimal edits involved, it might make sense to waive the fee.
Being flexible about small asks from a client you enjoy working with can help solidify and improve your relationship with them. Therefore, it may not be worth it to add fees. But rather than framing it like a favor to them, consider it part of your service as an excellent business partner.
No matter what the situation, it’s your business so you get to decide on a case-by-case basis.
Do You Always Have to Say Yes?
Short answer: No! Consider your schedule as a whole.
- Are you jam-packed with client projects?
- Do you have business development activities planned?
- Will you be able to meet previous deadlines if you squeeze in this last-minute project?
- Is it possible to turn around quality work within the requested timeframe?
Adding freelance rush fees to a project may result in a bigger payout for you. But if adding one more thing to your plate will cause the quality of your work to suffer, you are definitely within your rights to say no.
Only take on rush jobs if you have the time, energy, and desire to do so.
Some rush jobs are simply not feasible. As a freelancer, you rely on your reputation as someone who does good work. And if you can’t deliver high quality on a tight timeframe, it makes more sense to politely decline.
In general, rush jobs are usually better suited to clients with whom you have a strong working relationship. It’s not usually a good idea to rush through a project when there’s a steep learning curve with the client.
But just because you say no, that doesn’t mean you’ve necessarily lost the project altogether. Check back in with the client when time opens up on your calendar. They may not have even started on the project yet, even though they said it was a rush job!
And, they might just be willing to wait for you because they respect your work so much.
Regardless of how you respond to rush jobs, the key is to respect your own time. After all, as the business owner you are the business’ greatest asset!
Your turn! Have you ever charged a rush fee? How did you calculate it?
Last Updated on July 1, 2023.
