Medical narration pricing/change in project scope

Rachel Feldman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 16

Question: I auditioned for a V123 job that includes medical jargon. I go to the client's studio to record the final tomorrow. Yay!

Anyway, I based my rate on their estimate of how many produced minutes of text there would be. It turns out that there is significantly less. They haven't - yet - said, "We assume you'll prorate your quote" or "since it's a lot shorter, would you bill us less?"

So...is it typical to pay more for medical text and that's why they haven't brought up a price change?

If that's not the case...I don't want them to feel like they're being robbed. But if they're ok with paying more than I believe to be typical...? (Based on their Web site, they seem to be an established agency that must work with voice actors frequently, so they must know going rates.)

Of course, they could very well ask for an adjustment tomorrow. I'd love to hear your thoughts on handling the situation if they don't bring up a reduction.

Thanks.

- Rachel

Kathleen Keesling · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 746

Your fairness in pricing is a direct reflection of your integrity and ethics.

The Golden Rule applies in this situation.

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Firstly, congratulations, Rachel. Well done!
Studio gigs are always exciting and different. Make sure you enjoy every moment.

I'm with Kat: you should offer a lower price. Then let them kindly say they thought the original quote was very fair.

Voice On!

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007, 20:36 (GMT) Post subject: DO NOT DISCOUNT

Generally, the client has a budget and amounts get approved. I wouldn't say anything until after the job is finished.

If you feel that you did considerably less work than you originally thought, you might offer to give them a "free" pickup session. Suggesting that if it turns out they need to add a few lines or change a few words or soemthing you will come back in and perform that and not charge anything additional.

Otherwise, I would assume they are happy with stated charges, as nothing has been said and you are booked.

I appreciate those who wish to comment about things being made fair. There is nothing fair and often you will find yourself on what you perceive as the short end of the stick. The people you are working for are "big boys and girls" and know what they are doing.

It is also quite conceivable they use other people on a regualr basis that get paid considerably more than you or perhaps less. Consider all that you have to invest in to make a go of your career.

If they push the issue and want to give you less, then it's up to you to agree, but I would certainly not go too quietly into the good night. Let them know you are willing to work with you, but at this point you have a "covenant" they have agreed to a price and engaged your services.

I've been making a living at this for 20 years. This is not a question of integrity or ethics.

Good Luck,
--j.s.

Lance Blair · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007, 22:29 (GMT) Post subject:

Especially since you're traveling to their studio you shouldn't be quick to consider a lower rate.

Rachel Feldman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 16

In case anyone was wondering, the project went very well. They had a pre-printed form they asked me to sign that said I'd be getting X amount (approximately 1/3 of what I'd quoted). Turns out it was right on for the amount of work I actually did, so everything worked out.

Thanks, as always, for your advice.