Do you charge more for international clients?

15 replies
I'm interested, I have quite a few international clients and work in a couple of currencies for the marketing work I do.

I charge the same rate in AUD for everyone and just convert it based on the exchange rate for the client that I am working with. I don't add on any conversion fees or anything else.

Do you charge based on the rate you work at for international client's or do you work out an hourly rate based on the average rate paid in the country you are dealing with?

I am in Australia and I work regularly with USA and UK clients and don't add on any premium and I know the client is getting a red hot deal, just wondering if there is a 'norm' here.
#charge #clients #international
  • Profile picture of the author onegoodman
    I work with clients globally, my rates are the same ( it is competitive everywhere), this being said, if your offer might be less appealing in another country, and can offer lower rate, you may want to run that type of offers.
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    • Profile picture of the author gingerninjas
      Agreed - some countries basically value the AUD rate the same, there are some countries where is seems the going rate is higher and while it's no skin off my nose to offer the same rate it's interesting to hear what others are doing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Pettit
    I would keep rates the same across the board....however,run specials and sales periodically. This is what I do and it keeps things simple.

    If someone contacts me asking for a discount, I will usually offer them one to make the sale and gain a new customer

    Hope this Helps,
    Gary Pettit
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I'm in Melbourne and I do as you do, work with clients that require US and UK English. I usually charge based on the country of the client. I charge Aussies the Aussie rate.
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    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

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    • Profile picture of the author gingerninjas
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      I'm in Melbourne and I do as you do, work with clients that require US and UK English. I usually charge based on the country of the client. I charge Aussies the Aussie rate.
      Thanks for your message, it's a hard one as I always feel that I might be way too cheap when the US and UK rate is converted. I don't mind so much however I would like to ensure that I am remaining competitive however some of my overseas clients have actually commented how cheap I am which made me think if it was a 'good' thing or not.
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      • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
        Originally Posted by gingerninjas View Post

        Thanks for your message, it's a hard one as I always feel that I might be way too cheap when the US and UK rate is converted. I don't mind so much however I would like to ensure that I am remaining competitive however some of my overseas clients have actually commented how cheap I am which made me think if it was a 'good' thing or not.

        I have had occasions when clients have commented that they expected to pay more. Although you can't really change the quote solely based on that, I often joke to them that they're more than welcome to pay me extra and occasionally that works too.
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        Cheers, Laurence.
        Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

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  • Profile picture of the author Aravision74
    Thats a good question. I live in France and with the high Social Security taxes, I charge what would be $2000 as 2000 euros which gives me 10% more.
    It probabably needs to be tested if you raise the prices slightly in some countries where the currency is stronger. The clients don't always need a 'red' hot deal. A good deal will do.
    The main thing is not the price. Long after they have forgotten the deal they got, they'll remember the quality of the work
    Hope this helps,
    André Amsing
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    • Profile picture of the author gingerninjas
      Originally Posted by Aravision74 View Post

      Thats a good question. I live in France and with the high Social Security taxes, I charge what would be $2000 as 2000 euros which gives me 10% more.
      It probabably needs to be tested if you raise the prices slightly in some countries where the currency is stronger. The clients don't always need a 'red' hot deal. A good deal will do.
      The main thing is not the price. Long after they have forgotten the deal they got, they'll remember the quality of the work
      Hope this helps,
      André Amsing
      Thanks Andre, I agree with you - the quality is by far the most important. I was more curious whether what others are doing. We have a GST here too which means we usually charge an additional 10% on all projects when they are in Australia, however we don't charge this for international clients. I might need to look into this more with my accountant.

      I think in some cases, there are countries that I deal with in Asia and the Middle East than on average require more edits to ensure the language is flowing to meet the audience, so perhaps I will just monitor it and be more aware of the time it is taking. I want to remain competitive as my overheads are every low, however I don't want to appear cheap.

      I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
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  • Profile picture of the author neshaword
    All of my clients are international clients, lol.

    My trouble. When I have to play these exhausting exchange rate and conversion games. It is a long way from the US currency to Euro. Now, imagine all the trouble I have with AUS, CAD, NZD, or SGD. It's a nightmare. Finally, I had to put a warning note at the end of my portfolio. The prices are in USD!! I put a $ sign and a Kiwi or Singapore client approaches me with a huge smile on a face.

    Not to mention the money transfer fees. Taxes. And then you hear something like oh you are too expensive. Don't know if you are familiar with the Payoneer payment system. I think it is a perfect match for international clients.

    Cheers,
    N
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    • Profile picture of the author gingerninjas
      Originally Posted by neshaword View Post

      All of my clients are international clients, lol.

      My trouble. When I have to play these exhausting exchange rate and conversion games. It is a long way from the US currency to Euro. Now, imagine all the trouble I have with AUS, CAD, NZD, or SGD. It's a nightmare. Finally, I had to put a warning note at the end of my portfolio. The prices are in USD!! I put a $ sign and a Kiwi or Singapore client approaches me with a huge smile on a face.

      Not to mention the money transfer fees. Taxes. And then you hear something like oh you are too expensive. Don't know if you are familiar with the Payoneer payment system. I think it is a perfect match for international clients.

      Cheers,
      N
      Have you thought about quoting everything in EURO if that is more suitable for your budget? I only really work in USD and AUD (a few GBP now and again) but if you are doing this on a regular basis it could be worth it.

      I have used Paypal in the past and am starting to hear more about the Payoneer payment system actually as I have a VA in the Phillipines who uses this.

      I think you should hold the cards and charge more to cover the fees (and be completely transparent about it). I find if I feel like I am getting a bad deal I really get negative about the project and it really isn't worth it in the long run.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
    ????

    Originally Posted by gingerninjas View Post

    I'm interested, I have quite a few international clients and work in a couple of currencies for the marketing work I do.

    I charge the same rate in AUD for everyone and just convert it based on the exchange rate for the client that I am working with. I don't add on any conversion fees or anything else.

    Do you charge based on the rate you work at for international client's or do you work out an hourly rate based on the average rate paid in the country you are dealing with?

    I am in Australia and I work regularly with USA and UK clients and don't add on any premium and I know the client is getting a red hot deal, just wondering if there is a 'norm' here.
    I don't know what you use for payment processing, but I know that Paypal will collect in any currency that they support and convert to your currency prior to posting to your account. Your sales amount is converted to the buyer's currency for collection of payment, and converted back to your currency for posting to your account.

    I don't know first hand, but I would expect that most processors conducting international business would offer comparable services.
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    Sid Hale
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    • Profile picture of the author gingerninjas
      Originally Posted by Sid Hale View Post

      ????

      I don't know what you use for payment processing, but I know that Paypal will collect in any currency that they support and convert to your currency prior to posting to your account. Your sales amount is converted to the buyer's currency for collection of payment, and converted back to your currency for posting to your account.

      I don't know first hand, but I would expect that most processors conducting international business would offer comparable services.
      Hi Sid,

      I do use Paypal when needed to convert the funds, the question is more about whether people charge a different rate based on the country they are working for due to the value of the dollar and the industry average in the country they are providing work to.
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  • Profile picture of the author chemtechguru
    We have always without exception, charged in usd. Obviously resellers such as 2 Checkout etc will convert the usd currency for the buyer to see, into pretty much any legitimate currency without problem.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    I just charge USD and if clients are in international climes , I keep things at USD.

    One client asked if I'd honor a CAD rate since he lives in Canada - and twas almost 1:1 - but of course I had to say no. Only because, I live in the US and get paid in USD 100% of the time Or I sometimes live in the US but always get paid in USD.

    Ryan
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    • Profile picture of the author gingerninjas
      Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

      I just charge USD and if clients are in international climes , I keep things at USD.

      One client asked if I'd honor a CAD rate since he lives in Canada - and twas almost 1:1 - but of course I had to say no. Only because, I live in the US and get paid in USD 100% of the time Or I sometimes live in the US but always get paid in USD.

      Ryan
      Yep, a good way to do it too. I am sure this avoids any confusion as well.

      The times I have invoiced in other amounts it has been a bit of a pain.

      Thanks for commenting.
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