Ever charged a client for a gig and halfway through you have an epiphany, ‘I should have charged more for this gig’? You are not alone. Almost every freelancer at some point has felt that way. Discussing pricing with clients often feels like walking on eggshells. It is like you are on a tightrope. You’re scared of losing the client if you charge too high, and you also don’t want to undervalue your skills. As a Brazilian freelancer, you must navigate currency conversion, market expectations, and local economic factors to set competitive yet sustainable rates.

If you are a Brazilian freelancer looking to learn how to navigate these waters, this article explores how to price your freelance services without undervaluing yourself or scaring the potential client away.

Also read: How to convert and send USD to Brazilian Real online

Why pricing in dollars matters

Many international clients prefer to pay in US dollars (USD), as it is the most widely used currency for cross-border transactions. Pricing in USD offers:

• Access a wider client base
• Avoids confusion on pricing
• Earn in a stronger and more stable currency compared to the Brazilian real (BRL).
• Protect yourself from exchange rate fluctuations that can significantly affect your income.

However, pricing in dollars also means aligning your rates with international standards while ensuring they cover your local expenses and professional goals. For instance, a graphic designer in the US might charge $50–$100 per hour, while a Brazilian freelancer might initially consider lower rates due to the cost-of-living difference. However, underpricing can devalue your work and make it harder to compete with experienced freelancers. Aim to balance competitive pricing and fair compensation for your skills.

How to price your freelance services in dollars as a Brazilian

When deciding how to price your freelance services in dollars, you should evaluate both personal and market-driven factors.

• Your skills and experience: Your pricing should reflect your expertise, experience, and the value you provide. As a Brazilian freelancer, you may face pressure to charge lower rates than freelancers in higher-cost countries, but this can lead to burnout and unsustainable income.
• Industry standards: Before setting your rates, it’s essential to understand the global freelance market value for your skills. Rates vary across fields like design, writing, software development, or consulting.
• Client’s location and worth: The client’s location can give some insight into how much they are willing to pay for your services. A start-up in the US may pay more than a client in Latin America. Thriving businesses are likely to pay better than struggling start-ups. It may require some research, but understanding your client’s worth will help you set more accurate prices.
• Cost of living in Brazil: While living costs may be lower than in the US, ensure your rates sustain your lifestyle. Brazil’s cost of living varies widely by region. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are significantly more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas. When pricing your services, calculate your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and savings. Add a buffer for unexpected costs or tool investments (e.g., software subscriptions or equipment upgrades).
• Taxes and fees: Consider income tax, service fees from platforms (like Upwork or Fiverr), and currency conversion charges. In Brazil, freelancers are required to comply with tax regulations. Understand these regulations and how they apply to you based on your earnings. When pricing in dollars, include taxes and any international payment fees in your calculations. Many payment options and traditional banks charge excessively for transactions and currency conversion. While you can factor this into your pricing, you can simply opt for a more affordable international payment service like Grey and enjoy low-cost, transparent charges and competitive conversion rates.
• Communicate value to clients: The truth is, a client is paying another freelancer more than what you are charging for the same quality of service. It all comes to how you pitch your solution to the client. Focus on the value you bring rather than competing solely on price. Highlight your skills, cultural adaptability, and ability to deliver high-quality work. Ensure the client understands the value they are getting for their money. Add extra professional flair with an impressive brand image, invoicing, communication skills, and a strong work portfolio.
• Presenting your rates to clients: How you present your rates influences how your client will perceive you. Quote directly in USD to avoid confusion, offering a clear pricing structure (hourly, project, or retainer). Be upfront about what is included in the fee and consider creating packages if possible (e.g., three blog posts for $500, rather than $180 each). Having a tiered service package also works fine (eg, basic, standard, and premium) where each tier offers additional value at an extra fee.

Also read: How digital nomads in Brazil manage foreign currencies and BRL

Methods of pricing freelance services

Freelancers can use different pricing models depending on the project and client preferences. The most common models are:

1. Hourly rates: This is ideal for tasks with uncertain timelines or scopes, such as consulting or ongoing support. ****It is a transparent pricing option that ensures you are compensated for your time. However, it might discourage clients with fixed budgets.
2. Project-based pricing:  This is a better option for well-defined projects (e.g., designing a logo or writing an article). The pricing is clear for both sides and rewards efficiency. Calculate fixed rates by estimating the hours required and multiplying by your hourly rate. You, however, run the risk of underestimating the workload.
3. Retainer agreements: For long-term clients, offer a monthly retainer for a set number of hours or deliverables. This provides income stability and builds client loyalty. This pricing offers a predictable income and stronger client relationships. Hence, it requires consistent delivery and client commitment.
4. Value-based pricing: This entails charging based on the value your work delivers to the client, rather than just the time spent. It is a result-oriented pricing method where key performance indices can be discussed for pricing. This is a viable option for marketing-related roles. While it offers the potential for earning big, you have to be certain you’ll get desirable results.

Also read: How to get an instant USD debit card in Brazil

Avoiding common mistakes in pricing

Here are some common mistakes to look out for when pricing your services:

• Undervaluing your work: Do not base your rates solely on Brazilian market standards. International clients expect global rates, unless they are simply trying to take advantage of you.
• Ignoring fees and taxes: Failing to account for platform fees, international transfer costs, or Brazilian taxes can erode your profits. Always calculate your net income after deductions.
• Not reviewing rates regularly: Update your rates as you gain experience and build a portfolio.
• Pricing inconsistently: Charging different clients wildly different rates for similar work can harm your reputation. Establish a standard rate card and adjust it based on project complexity or client budget.

Handling USD payments smoothly

As a Brazilian freelancer working with global clients, pricing in US dollars can be the key to unlocking better-paying opportunities and financial stability. Choosing the right platform reduces losses to conversion fees and ensures quick access to your money. To maximise your earnings, utilise platforms that simplify the process of receiving international payments. With Grey, you receive USD directly in virtual accounts and convert at competitive rates to BRL. The platform offers transparent and low-cost transactions, swift payment processing, and smooth integration with freelancing platforms.

Sign up on Grey today and position yourself as a global freelancer.

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