How to Price a Service So You Actually Make Money
A cost-up pricing method for cleaners, detailers, sitters and freelancers
By the Monthly Income Booster editorial team · Updated · How we research and fact-check
On this topic
Copying competitor prices imports their costs, their speed and their mistakes. Cost-up pricing starts with what you need to earn and works forward.
Start With Your Target Take-Home
Decide the annual income you want, divide by realistic billable hours — never total hours — and you have the rate the job must clear.
Add Every Real Cost
Materials, travel, insurance, software, equipment replacement and unpaid admin time. All of it belongs in the price.
Bill Only Billable Hours
Quoting, driving and invoicing are unpaid. If half your week is unbillable, your hourly rate must reflect that.
Quote Packages, Not Hours
Clients compare hourly rates and reward slowness. Package pricing lets efficiency pay you instead.
Raise Prices on New Enquiries
Test the higher number with new clients first. If conversion holds, migrate existing clients at renewal.
Related reading: How to Make Money With a 3D Printer; How to Make Money With ChatGPT and AI Tools; and How Much Do Movers Make?.
Official sources
Tax rules, limits and pay data change. Check the current figures with the primary source before acting on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my hourly rate?+
Target income plus costs, divided by realistic billable hours. The service pricing and freelance rate calculators here do the arithmetic.
Should I charge less when starting out?+
A short introductory period is fine, but below-cost pricing attracts clients who resist every future increase.
How often should I raise prices?+
Review at least annually, and immediately whenever you're booked solid — full calendars are a pricing signal.
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