Pricing & Sales

Raising Your Rate With Existing Clients

Updated: 2026-05-27 Holdwise editorial team Pricing Rate Increase Sales

Raise your rate at least once a year and tell clients well in advance in a short, calm message. Many freelancers earn less than they could, because they are afraid to raise rates with long-term clients. In practice, most clients accept a calm and clear rate increase. At Holdwise, we updated this answer on 27 May 2026. You find the steps further down this page.

Why you should raise your rates

Costs rise, your skills grow, and the value you provide increases over time. If your rates stay flat, your real income falls over time. A periodic rate increase is normal business practice.

When to raise

At least once a year, even modestly, to keep pace with inflation.
When your skills or the value of your work have clearly grown since your last increase.
When demand for your work consistently exceeds your capacity.
At a natural milestone: contract renewal, new year, new project phase.

How to communicate it

Tell clients well in advance and in clear words, and leave out any apology. Send a short, direct message with the new rate, the date it starts and a brief reason. Clients accept this more easily than a long justification. A confident tone is as important as the words.

An example message

"Hi [name], starting [date], my rate will be [new rate]. This reflects [brief reason]. Current quotes and ongoing projects keep their agreed price. Let me know if you have any questions." Keep the tone direct and respectful, and leave out any apology.

Expect a range of reactions

Most clients agree straight away. A few negotiate, and now and then a client leaves. If every client says yes, your increase was probably too small. Aim for a fair rate for your work.

Honour what is already quoted

Apply the new rate to new work and renewals. Quotes and ongoing fixed-price projects that you already agreed keep the old rate. If you keep your promises, clients rely on you, and your next increases are easier.

Tip: the freelancers who feel most uncomfortable about raising their rates often need it most. Feeling uncomfortable is normal. By raising your rate, you protect your business.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I raise at once? +

A modest increase each year (5 to 10%) is common, and most clients accept it easily. A larger increase can be justified if your rate has stayed the same for a long time. The same applies if the value of your work has grown a lot. Explain a larger increase clearly.

What if a client refuses the new rate? +

Decide whether the work at the old rate is still attractive for you. Sometimes you keep the client at the old rate a little longer. Sometimes you let the client go.

Should I apologise for raising rates? +

State the new rate calmly and directly. If you apologise, clients see that you doubt your own new price.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 2026-05-27