[robotkilla]

> that's your new hourly rate

I don't think this is the case. The client was volatile (random screaming and swearing at people in the office and me in my first and only meeting with him, plus a vague personal threat made against me if I were to "fuck him on the contract").

I knew what I was walking into and boosted my price accordingly. The only reason he went for it is due to having (or at least thinking he had) no other options. I worked fast and was extremely careful with my time. Everything went well, he paid me and I never heard from that company again.

> walking your rate up each year for existing clients

How do you get repeat business? It seems that my clients are happy with me after each project (no complaints and I typically get recommendations) however I haven't had any repeat business. I suspect this is due to working with very small startups with low budgets.

[monknomo]

Try periodic emails to past clients - I hire quite a few contractors and I like it when they check in and am more likely to go for someone who has done something good and kept in touch periodically.