Ask other ICs what they charge. If you have a computer and modem, you can communicate pricing concerns with other ICs on commercial online services such as Compuserve and America On Line or on the World Wide Web. You may discover that you likely can't get your ideal hourly rate because other ICs are charging less in your area. However, if you're highly skilled and performing work of unusually high quality, don't be afraid to ask for more than other ICs with lesser skills do. Lowballing your fees won't necessarily get you business.
Many potential clients believe they get what they pay for and are willing to pay more for quality.
One approach is to start out charging a fee that is at the lower end of the spectrum for ICs performing similar services and then gradually increase it until you start meeting price resistance. Over time, you should be able to find a payment method and fee structure that enables you to get enough work and that adequately compensates for your services. Search our database of more than 30,000 entry-level jobs and internships.