Hey Susan!
I’m Carrie Hill, a blogger and aspiring copywriter. I’m reaching out on a totally random whim after seeing that you have years of packaging copywriting. I’m hoping you may be willing to offer a little advice to a newbie in the realm. 😉
I recently had the opportunity to write copy (about 150 words) for packaging that will be used on a skincare product sold in-store at Walmart. While I’m ecstatic about the opportunity, I haven’t done this type of work before and have no idea how to charge for a project like this. I was hoping you might be able to point me in some sort of direction.
Again, I know this is such a random ask, and I’m sure you’re especially busy this time of year. I appreciate any advice you may have!
Thanks so much,
Carrie
Hi Carrie,
It’s nice to meet you. With regard to pricing on packaging, the truth is I have some experience in that realm, but not a lot. I’ve written packaging copy for a cosmetics company, a pet pharmaceutical company and a toy company. But in each of those cases, the packaging copy was part of an entire campaign and wasn’t priced individually.
My suggestion would be to estimate how long the copy and interaction with the client will take and then multiply it by an hourly rate in the range of $75 per hour. Then take the number you come up with and ask yourself the following three questions:
Then adjust accordingly.
One more piece of advice. When I get asked to do a type of job I haven’t done in the past, I worry less about what to charge and more about getting the experience and portfolio samples.
That’s not to say you should underbid. Nobody wants to leave money on the table. But every new job broadens your capabilities and builds your confidence. Perhaps most important is that it has potential to land you more work. If that’s the case, you might want to price this job so that you’re sure the client hires you. If you get future packaging copy projects, you’ll make back any “discount” from this first project many times over.
Hope that helps.
Susan Greene
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my email! I truly appreciate it, as well as the advice given. You’re absolutely right about the experience and portfolio-building. I’ll keep that wisdom in mind moving forward.
Carrie
Once I’d written copy for a company that does waterproofing at construction sites, I was able to land other clients in that industry.
Hi Carrie,
I had a situation arise today that made me think of you. About six months ago, I wrote a website for a company that does waterproofing. They waterproof basements, elevator shafts, roofs, etc.
I had originally planned to refer the client to one of my colleagues who specializes in construction-related copywriting, but for some reason, the client was insistent that I take on the job. After some considerable arm twisting, I did.
The client was a nice guy and the work turned out to be a sizable job, 25 web pages and then additional work creating sales letters, flyers and ads. Overall, I was glad I took on the work because it was a good chunk of change, but I was also keenly aware that I’d invested a lot of time learning about waterproofing, knowledge which I’d probably never use again.
Until today. The owner of a different waterproofing company searching for a copywriter found my online portfolio and the waterproofing site I’d written. He said he was super impressed with it and wished his website was half that good!
He needs help writing a 30+ page brochure about his waterproofing services. He called me because he could tell I was “a waterproofing expert,” which is laughable but yet kinda true. I’ll be starting his project next week. And, because I’m a “waterproofing expert,” I quoted my full rate, and the client was fine with it. He should be. I’ll be able to get up to speed on his business quickly without him having to spend a lot of time educating me.
As I said before, I’m not telling you to work cheap. But if you have the opportunity to gain experience in a new area and to get smart on someone else’s dime (in this case, the client’s), you may see benefits down the road.
Susan Greene
Professional Copywriter
Wow! Sounds great! I’d call that a wrap. Thank you so much for bearing with me. This was well worth the effort. Really sends the message home – POW!
Corey Hooper
President
Creators Bounty
Lighthouse Point, Florida
Susan Greene
Professional Copywriter
Affordable Rates
Orlando, Florida
floridacopywriter@gmail.com
(407) 578-5528
