What *is* unprofessional is using exactly that word to describe what others – some of us for decades – do differently and for very different reasons than what we might prefer to do ourselves. We can disagree, but "unprofessional" is a very strong word that should not be flung around in public forums without good cause. Part of what we do involves knowing the weight of words. Let's try to remember that.

Good points about rates and what you should charge. I've never been a big fan of the "budget" question, and this explains the reason why it is unprofessional. Knowing the specs of the job should be enough to quote for VO services.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for tackling this topic, Jerry. In my book I talk a lot about establishing value, and setting voice-over rates. If you've read it, you know my mantra:

My added value is always higher than my rate.

I used to think that publishing my rates would be a cardinal sin, and I was leaving so much money on the table. The opposite is true. Since I started publishing my rates I rarely have to deal with lowballers anymore. The clients I attract can afford my services, and they are grateful that they don't have to guess about how much I charge.

Last but not least, my rates page is great for SEO. It is one of the most popular pages of my website with thousands of views every month.

Just about every construction or carpentry job that I've commissioned, my budget is the first thing that comes up. It is a good, better, best sort of check for materials to use.

Beyond that, you are spot on.

Set your rate and stick to it. My rates are simple, union scale plus studio hours. The studio hours pays my assistant.

Jerry, I was thinking about this exact thing over the weekend. I have been successful ZERO times asking the size of the VO budget. Ever shop for a car and have the sales person ask how much money you want to spend? I feel like they're after all the $$$ in the budget instead of working to get me the best deal on the car I want. The scenarios are different but the emotional response is the same.

Now, when a prospect or current client asks me for a quote I give it to them straight, based on similar criteria you listed above. I also include, "My rates are flexible and, within reason, I am happy to work with your client's budget."

They have my numbers, know I'm flexible because I gave them an opportunity to discuss my rate and they get the sense I want to work with them. After a few days when I don't hear back, I followup, "I'm checking in with you to see if you had any questions about the rate I sent. I'd love to work with you on your project so, please let me know either way."

I've been hugely more successful with this method than asking for their budget. Do I "leave money on the table"? Probably.

I think "insulting" is a bit strong, because it really depends on the circumstances. I can't count the times I've received email from someone who – by the way they state their request and/or provide little to no information – appears to be quite inexperienced in hiring voice talent. And on those occasions when I simply respond with my rate, which – if they have indeed never hired professional talent before – is perhaps more than they were expecting, all too often they don't even reply before moving on to someone else. This completely prevents the possibility of negotiation.

By asking "is there a budget you're trying to stay within," at least keeps the door of possibility open a bit longer and will allow me to offer a first-time discount (if need be) while explaining how my rate structure works (i.e. what goes into providing the finished product, and that usage of the finished piece also figures into the cost).

It is still quite obvious that many who find themselves in the position of having to hire voice talent seem to be under the impression that rates are simply based on: "It'll only take you X minutes to do." Some clients – especially those who don't know what qualities to look for in a voice talent – need to be educated. Many people have nice voices. Many of them are capable of reading words written by someone else. But we know it's more than that. And, the more we can educate, the better the chances of keeping prospects from winding up at fiverr.com.

All good points, Jerry. I will say that asking about budget in general is a shorthand for "you are planning to _pay_ for this, right?" One thing it seems is unique to acting in general is the prevalence of folks who are offering "copy & credit" payment. Perhaps it's a quick way to shake them out. But, your article jostled me enough to realize it's also a lazy way of doing so. Thanks for the admonishment.