[mgkimsal]

> I completely agree. In fact, this is part of the reason new freelancers often regret setting their hourly rate too low. It's important that you set a high enough rate that you can throw in unbillable work now and then without destroying your earnings. The best freelancers consistently under-promise and over-deliver.

I agree with your agreement, but... it's hard for new clients to understand that you will not nickel and dime them. My rate is rather high for my market, but I do not nickel and dime. But it takes people a while to learn that, no, I don't bill for that 10 minute phone call. No, I don't itemize parking costs when I come to a meeting downtown. No, I don't charge them double time for tackling an emergency on the weekend.

And... some times clients end up going with someone else with a 'cheaper' rate, and I know they end up paying probably just about as much as I'd be charging them with an hourly or daily rate (I have both, but most people still prefer hourly, and I don't turn them down yet because of that).

EDIT: "nickel and diming" on things I outlined above I don't do. Full on changes - "we need 3 new forms" - still get charged for.