Stop giving secret discounts

If you’re giving someone a discount, you have to let them know you’re giving them a discount. Otherwise it’s worthless.

I say this for two reasons.

First, once someone hires you at a certain price, it’s an uphill battle to get them to hire you for more. If before the first time they hire you for cheap, you let them know that you usually work for much more, you can help negate this. You can say something like this: “My rates are usually about 30% higher than this, but let me see if I can make this work for you with the other projects I have going on.” Then wait a couple hours. Then respond and let them know you can make it work. 

Second, if they feel like they are getting a big discount from something that is usually much more expensive, they will treat you with more respect. They will listen to your advice, and take your recommendations seriously. This leads to better work for them, so it’s ultimately in their best interest.