8 min
Negotiating rates and contracts for voiceover (VO) work may seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step in setting yourself up for success in the industry. In this article, we'll cover the key factors to consider when negotiating rates and contracts, including understanding your worth, staying informed about industry standards and trends, and outlining clear expectations for the final product. We'll also provide you with sample verbiage to aid in supporting your rates, along with an example negotiation exchange. Whether you're new to voiceover or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you navigate the process and ensure fair and profitable agreements. Let's dive in!
Knowing your value is an integral part of any freelance career. However, when it comes to voiceover work, the market rates vary from business to business, and understanding them is the first step in knowing what to charge for each job. To establish a benchmark for yourself, consult rate guides such as the GVAA, GFTB, or SAG Aftra to get an idea of current industry rates.
Doing some research about prices always helps, but also remember that your experience, skills, and individual selling points are what make you unique. Identifying these beforehand can help you negotiate a fair rate that respects the value of your services and allows you to continue doing what you love most!
Knowing your boundaries and setting a clear minimum rate for your services is vital to negotiate rates and contracts for VO work successfully.
Negotiating contracts and rates always requires a professional attitude since it's the key to getting a fair outcome for you and the hirer. Being actively engaged in the discussion and listening carefully to the client's needs and budget constraints is critical for both parties to reach a favorable agreement.
There may be times when you need to describe why certain services meet those needs more effectively than other offerings, but remember to remain courteous of their circumstances and not come across as being too aggressive or demanding. The key to successful negotiations is finding common ground that satisfies both sides.
Knowing your boundaries and setting a clear minimum rate for your services is vital to negotiate rates and contracts for VO work successfully. Not only should you ensure that your rates are high enough to make it worth your time, but you should also understand that different customers may have different needs.
This will require you to be flexible, but that does not mean undervaluing yourself or your services. Instead, it’s about finding solutions that work for everyone involved. Remember, establishing an understanding of what you will and will not accept can help set expectations from both sides and make the process easier for you.
Below is some verbiage you can consider providing to a potential client to support why a premium rate for your voiceover services is justified. Feel free to make any necessary adjustments for your specific circumstances:
Experience and expertise: As a highly experienced and skilled voiceover artist, I charge a minimum of industry-standard rates for my services to reflect my level of expertise and the quality of my work.
Specialized equipment: I use state-of-the-art equipment and studio connectivity to ensure high-quality audio recordings, which adds to my overall costs as a professional voiceover artist.
Time and effort: Preparing for and recording a voiceover for this project will take XX hours of time and effort, and my rates reflect that.
Industry-standard: My rates are in line with industry standards for professional voiceover artists, and I am confident that my services are worth the investment.
Return on investment: Investing in a high-quality voiceover can greatly enhance the impact and effectiveness of a project, and my rates reflect the value I can bring to your project.
Limited availability: Please note that my availability is limited. My rates have been determined based on my level of expertise and the demand for my services within the industry and are reflective of the value I can bring to your project.
Communication is critical when negotiating with a client, as it allows every party to have their voice heard. Therefore, whenever you enter a negotiation, be sure that you are open-minded and willing to listen to their needs. By doing this, you demonstrate that you care about the project at hand and wish to establish a long-term relationship by creating a win-win situation.
Consider your client’s perspective and be understanding in the negotiation process so you can find a solution that works for both parties. In addition, showcasing good communication skills will set the foundation for further conversations you’ll have throughout the working relationship.
By developing a good understanding of current industry standards and trends, you can help make more informed decisions. In the rapidly-evolving business climate we are currently in, understanding current industry trends and standards can be a huge benefit to any decision-maker. Why? Because it helps you stay ahead of the competition by being aware of the new technologies, products, and services that have recently become available.
Understanding these trends can also help you determine where to invest your time and energy into a project. This research and study can help create less risk for you when making important decisions. You may be worried that it will take extra effort, but developing a good understanding of current industry trends can help you reach bigger and better results.
Before you take on any project, it's essential to make sure everyone involved knows exactly what they're signing up for. Taking the time to evaluate the scope of work carefully helps keep you on track and helps you avoid costly errors throughout the process.
Also, by knowing the scope of work, you can make sure your client is able to track progress more easily, keeping them informed and happy with the project's results.
When it comes to freelance work, nothing is more important than having a contract in place. Having everything written down protects you as the freelancer and your client from any potential disagreements or misunderstandings.
While the rate of pay should always be outlined in the contract, it’s just as important to include details about the deliverables that are expected and any timelines for completion. This way, both parties can ensure that all expectations are clear from the start of the project. Using a contract not only helps to protect everyone involved but can provide peace of mind knowing that each detail is arranged beforehand. Your agent or manager should handle this part with the client if your job is acquired through them.
If you are negotiating directly with the client, an email can be established as a viable contract for an initial negotiation by following these steps:
Clearly outline the terms of the agreement: In the email, clearly state the scope of the project, the expected deliverables, the timeline, and the payment terms.
Include a statement of acceptance: The email should include a statement that the client is agreeing to the terms outlined in the email, such as "By replying to this email, you are agreeing to the terms outlined above."
Get a written confirmation: It is recommended to ask for a written confirmation of the agreement via email or letter to avoid any confusion and misunderstanding.
Save a copy of the email: Both parties should save a copy of the email for their records.
It's important to note that the validity of an email as a contract may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific terms of the agreement. It's always best to consult with a legal professional to ensure that the contract is legally binding.
I strongly recommend having a lawyer involved in the contract process, if possible. Consider it an investment in your future.
A great VO attorney who I highly recommend is Rob Sciglimpaglia. Rob has assisted me in multiple legal matters over the years for my VO business, has vetted many of the synthetic voice contracts I have been offered, and is well-versed in the evolving AI/digital space. You can sign up for his new service, where you will get one free contract review and contract negotiation per month and more! Learn more about it here.
Client: "We're looking for a voiceover artist for our new video project. Can you provide us with a quote?"
Voiceover artist: "Sure! In order to provide a quote, I'll need to know more about the project, including the length of the script, the usage rights, and the deadline. Can you provide more information, and do you have a budget for this?"
Client: "Certainly. The script is 500 words, and we need it to be recorded and delivered within 5 days. We'll be using the audio for a promotional video that will be shown online for one year. How much would you charge for this?"
Voiceover artist: "Based on my research and my own experience, I would normally charge $XXX for a project like this. However, I'm willing to offer a discounted rate of $XXX, since the script is relatively short and the deadline is tight."
Client: "That's a bit higher than our budget. Can you do it for $XXX?"
Voiceover artist: "I understand that budget is always a consideration. However, as a professional voiceover artist, my rates reflect my training, experience, and the value I bring to a project. I'm confident that my rate is fair and competitive. If $XXX is too steep, I would be happy to discuss alternative options, such as revising the scope of the project or adjusting the delivery timeline to reduce the overall cost."
Client: "We really want to work with you, and we're willing to increase our budget to $XXX. Is that something you can work with?"
Voiceover artist: "I appreciate your willingness to negotiate. $XXX is a fair price and I'm happy to accept this offer. Let's move forward with the project and I'll get started on the recording right away."
This is just one example of how a negotiation for voiceover work might play out.
It's not always easy, but it’s 100% possible to get the rate you deserve with a little bit of know-how and practice. And remember, it's important to be flexible and open to negotiation and stand firm on your value as a professional voiceover artist.
Do you have any other tips or tricks that have worked for you in the past? Share them with the rest of us in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
Keep on rocking your business like a #VOBOSS
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About Anne Ganguzza
Recipient of multiple Voice Arts Awards for Outstanding Narration Demo - Anne Ganguzza is a California-based Voice Over Coach and award-winning Director & Producer specializing in target-marketed voiceover Demo Production. Anne's production team creates SOVAS-nominated demos across several genres, including Commercial, Corporate Narration, and eLearning, and her VO BOSS podcast is the winner of SOVAS Outstanding Podcast in 2022.
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