O.K, what is the going rate???

Lynne Alston

Yes I'm new, and have done some research on line as to how much to charge. I would like to to keep my rates fair but not undersell myself, I'd rather lose the job than give it away. I understand that experience is lacking on my part and my rate should reflect this, however I am at a loss. Is there any one who is willing to share some info with me as to a rate guideline??
Lynne

Freddie Molina · Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006, 16:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Lynne,

This kind be quite a gray area, rates vary depending on each talent. Voice123 published a recommended rate sheet that you can use to give yourself an idea. Here’s a link:

http://server.iad.liveperson.net/hc/s-6945595/cmd/kbresource/view_question!PAGETYPE?documentid=184255&action=view
Hope this helps.

Lynne Alston · Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006, 17:35 (GMT) Post subject:

It was somewhat helpful, and close on many of the quotes I have given. I see that the rate for on-hold messages can be very different depending on the talent, however my quote of $75.00 for up to each minute has been overkill, I didn't dream this number up!

Is there anyone willing to share what they actually charge?

Thanks, Lynne

AL Guevara · Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006, 21:34 (GMT) Post subject:

Chip Hinshaw · Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006, 21:55 (GMT) Post subject: Just my personal preference

I don't answer any job offering less than $250, which locks me out of probably about 99.9% of the jobs offered via V123. It's just not worthwhile to me. More power to the folks who are willing to long-tail the $50 hobby website jobs. You have a stronger will than mine. I don't want to seem boastful, this is what I think you should get, especially in a larger market. If I do a 30 radio in-studio, I'm walking out with $250. However, I am in a big market.

I guess as far as gigs snagged of the internet go you really shouldn't be bidding under $150 for anything, imo. If the client wants the low-ball bidder, I say let them have them -- you get what you pay for.

There are a number of rate sheets out on the net that you can Google for and they should give you a good sense of where you want to price yourself. I suppose you could go by the SAG/AFTRA schedule and maybe discount an arbitrary percentage (however you want to qualify it).

Lynne Alston · Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006, 00:40 (GMT) Post subject:

Chip,
Finally some straight up info, this really helps, having ran a business with 25 yrs experience I knew what I was worth, now starting VO at the bottom of the rung I dont want to under sell myself, it really would set precedence as to the type of work I will get.

Glad you were willing to share, having spent 25 years teaching those little ones how to share, I see that some adults can still have the attitude of "It's Mine"

Many thanks.
Lynne

James Ace · Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006, 08:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Lynne,

You are definitely not alone here. I too have wondered many times if I'm over bidding or short changing myself on certain auditions. I do agree that experience plays a big role in how I bid as well. I'm fairly new to VO work and I certainly don't believe I should be charging the same amount as someone who has been doing this for 10 years. At the same time, there are certain areas where that may not be the case. Take character VOs for example. If you do a dead on impression of say Homer Simpson or other popular characters, then your rate should reflect how well you do the impression. If you're right on the money, no matter what your experience is you should get paid as such. For everything else I try to set a standard for certain types of jobs and stick with it each time. It also depends on market size too though if you're talking about commercial spots. Just a few things to think about Smile

- James Ace
http://jamesace.voice123.com

Jesse Angelo · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006, 04:10 (GMT) Post subject: Sliding scales

I have spent over 12 years as a radio personality and production manager, but when it came to starting my own VO business, I too was confused on how much to charge. Then it struck me, preception is reality! Most of my clients think I am much bigger than I am in reality.

Sure, you may be new to the business, but how good is the quality of your work? Let's face it, years of experience dosen't guarantee a good voice.

Another aspect to consider is the market size. I use a sliding scale that can start out as little as $25 for :30 For a station in a "micro market" (usually less than 25-30k) and for stations in larger or major markets the rate skyrockets from there into the hundreds.

I hope this is helpful.

Jesse Angelo

Eddie Eagle · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006, 18:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Use the VoiceOverResourceGuide.com
and go to the rates sheet. It quotes AFTRA rates and that's a good place to start establishing a rate for what you do.

Robert Jadah · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006, 00:18 (GMT) Post subject: dollars and sense

Lynne:
You are touching on an important bugaboo there. I personally will not open and work a session for anything less than $150 per hour - or portion thereof, worked - and then add an amount (a buyout, if you will; ranging from 50%-200% depending on the broadcast market).
You would be staggered by unionized rates. In 2004, I did a national TV ad tag line which required 7 minutes in a studio. I got away with one measly dollar on the parking meter, and was paid $2,000 for the spot. Then, since the ad was re-aired for another cycle 5 months later, I was sent another $560.
It is ludicrous that we debase our talents by low-balling, especially when working for ad agencies or market broadcast.
I do not, however, add a buyout for a Mom and Pop video production, or small intra-company DVD/podcast.
It's a judgement call, but I agree with those posts that ignore extreme bargain-hunters. I actually guffaw while pushing the delete button when I see a request for "James Earl Jones sound-alike for :30 second radio ad for car sales promotion. Budget $100; with possibility of more work."
I mean, anyone who can sound like James Earl Jones and is willing to have that talent beamed into 300,000 homes for $100 must be a shut-in on a fixed income and needs the humiliation more than I do.

Randall Bigham · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006, 03:15 (GMT) Post subject:

Jerry James · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006, 14:46 (GMT) Post subject: Re: dollars and sense

Lynne Alston · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006, 18:35 (GMT) Post subject:

You are all doing a great job of giving me the info that has been evasive up till now.
I am still a little confused about the rates that say per hour, but are for say 5 minutes finished work? would I be right in thinking a quote should be actually for the minutes of finished copy?

You know, I love this work and would do it for free (don't tell anyone) so this price setting is such a challenge and I appreciate all the help you veterans are giving me.

Chip Hinshaw · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006, 19:26 (GMT) Post subject:

Absolutely not -- your rate is for the time spent working on the project with a minimum of one hour. Plus you want a buy-out if they are going to use your stuff more than once.

Mark Nigma · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 8

Myself as a producer, your rate is only as good as your demo, if your work stinks then surely that must have an impact on what price you are gonna get paid. With so much choice on VO's out there, its hard to define a price that all would be happy with, lets be honest here, you aint gonna get JJ Mckay for $25 an hr, and I rather think that John Wells would tell you were to go as well, and how to get there.

As a benchmark, I normally offer a minimum of $250 for a page of script, dont forget we as producers have to make a buck as well. I suppose really it depends on the project, and if you gonna get any spin off work from it

The more we earn from pimping your voice, the more you will get paid....