Why You Should Never Share Your Pricing Before Talking To The Client

Here’s the thing... never send your pricing before you’ve had an actual conversation with your client. Whether you’re mixing a podcast, editing a short film, or producing a song, no two projects are the same. Each one has its own scope, challenges, and creative goals. You can’t know any of that without taking the time to talk to them first.

When you send out your rates blindly, you’re shooting in the dark. You might be undercharging for a complex, high-level project and leaving serious money on the table. Or you might scare off a potential client who doesn’t yet understand the value behind what you offer. Either way, you lose, because pricing without context is just a number.

A quick conversation changes everything. It gives you a chance to understand what the client truly needs, the problems they’re trying to solve, and the outcome they’re hoping for. More importantly, it lets you position your value, not just your price. That’s where real trust is built.

Think of it like tuning before a session. You wouldn’t hit record without dialing in the right sound first, right? The same goes for quoting your work. Get the details. Learn what they’re after. Then tailor your offer to meet them where they are.

The call isn’t just about selling your service, it’s about showing that you care enough to understand their vision. That’s what separates professionals from everyone else.

So the next time someone asks, “What do you charge?” pause before answering. Start the conversation instead. Because the more you listen, the more value you can bring and that’s worth far more than a flat rate ever could.

-Aaron On Audio