Do you discuss the PRICE at the BEGINNING or at the END?

Here is the thing. I know, I understand, and eventually I accept that eventually all comes down to the price itself. In the world of freelancing that is painfully true. You barely say hello to a client, and you are already discussing the price. OK, these clients went looking for the freelancers to do the job because of the low prices, in the first place. Yet, the annoying thing is that we are negotiating the price before we even had a chance to discuss the details of the project itself and my portfolio.

Back in my sales days, I had a completely different situation. We, the salesmen, were strictly prohibited to either discuss our prices or show our price lists, before the official presentation of our products is done. You know how it goes. You finally get a meeting with the potential customer. You talk and do your best to relax the atmosphere to make it be more friendly and open. You present your products. Then, at the end, you talk about the prices and payment terms.

I know that it doesn't actually matter that much. If you can close the deal who cares when you had to mention the price, at the beginning, the end, or somewhere in the middle of business negotiations. Right? Yet, my trouble is that I can't find the right model to successfully apply at the moment. I even tried to put my price at the very beginning as the very first line of my offer. This may seem as not such a smart thing to do, but at least, the potential clients addressing me were fully aware of my price related conditions. Now, the trouble is that this particular move significantly limits your maneuvering space regarding price negotiations. What you put is your maximum, not the minimum. Now, the worst part was that some clients didn't even bother to look my offer. So, we were back where we started. The most ridiculous moment was when I used to put the information about my price at the beginning and in the closing lines of my offer. That's was simply, I really don't know what to say.

What should I do? Should my offer include only one single line: my price is X dollars. I charge per hour, page, word, etc. If you like the price, then we can move on. Is it any different if you are looking for the clients outside the freelance platforms? I remember when I used to look for a regular 9-to-5 job. There was always a line in the application form saying, include your salary expectations. At the job interview, that's was a great finale, you were supposed to mention and discuss your future salary with your future employer. Right? For what is worth that was something taking place at the end, rather than the beginning of the entire process.

I would really to hear what's the best solution to change this situation and move the sweet price talks at the end of the negotiation process where they certainly belong. This way, what's the point? You invest your time, energy, and even money in your portfolio. For what? So, it won't be even considered if the price isn't right. I also remember saying, we will eventually come to this (meaning the price), but some clients were obviously too impatient. Then, when you begin your future business relationship with the price talks, you are risking it to be treated as a pushy service provider. Sometimes, I just don't know how and what to do, to make it right.

All successful price negotiators are strongly encouraged to share their word of advice. Thanks in advance.