Let me paint a picture for you…

A dream client lands on your site. They love your work – whether it’s your handcrafted products or creative services. They’re ready to take the next step. 

Then they see it: “Reach out for pricing.”

Poof. They’re gone.

(Ouch, right?!)

As a business coach for creatives, I hear the same fears about sharing prices, whether you’re selling products or services:

“But everything I create is custom!” 

“What if my competitors see my rates?” 

“I’ll scare away potential clients!”

“”If I can just talk to them first, they’ll understand the value!”

These aren’t reasons – they’re fears. And they’re holding your business back.

Now, I want to talk about something that’s often misunderstood – the power of being upfront about your pricing

In the next 10 minutes, you’ll learn:

• Why that “Contact for Pricing” button is backfiring
• The simple way to display rates (without scaring away good clients)
• How to stay flexible with your pricing – while still being transparent
• Tested strategies to command premium rates with confidence

The Real Cost of Hidden Pricing

Every time you hide your rates, you’re secretly sabotaging your success. 

That boutique owner who would have ordered a dozen of your handmade pieces? She needed pricing for her budget meeting tomorrow. 

The corporate client perfect for your design services? They moved on to someone who made their investment level clear.

Think about your own buying habits. When you visit a website and can’t find pricing, what do you do? That slight hesitation, that moment of uncertainty – it’s exactly what your potential clients feel.

When you don’t share your rates transparently, you risk:

• Wasting time on calls with clients who can’t afford you (but didn’t know until the end of your pitch)
• Missing out on clients who only work with transparent professionals
• Feeding that nagging imposter syndrome
• Attracting tire-kickers instead of serious clients
• Opening yourself up to customers who think all your rates are open to negotiation

Want to know the wildest part? The clients you’re afraid of scaring away? They’re probably not your ideal clients anyway.

What Pricing Transparency Actually Looks Like

One of the biggest reasons my coaching clients hesitate to share their pricing? They worry they’ll lose some control. But the truth is, showing your rates doesn’t have to mean losing flexibility. 

For product creators, you can still offer custom variations while providing clear base pricing. For service providers, you can list starting rates while customizing final proposals.

Often creatives think that showing their prices means everything is set in stone. But that’s simply not true. 

Price transparency really means:

• Setting clear starting points
• Showing package ranges
• Explaining what influences your rates
• Helping clients understand their investment

Think of it like a menu at a high-end restaurant. You know the price range before you walk in. You know what affects the final bill. But there’s still room for customization.

The Real Benefits of Showing Your Rates

Clear pricing transforms your business in three powerful ways:

#1 Better Clients

When clients reach out, they’re already comfortable with your investment level. No more time wasted on “what’s your budget?” conversations, just serious buyers ready to move forward. Plus, once you’re working with the customer or client, they are better prepared. They can budget appropriately. Plan ahead. And focus on what really matters: the value you’ll deliver.

#2 Save Time

Gone are the days of writing proposals for clients who gasp at your rates. Every inquiry becomes a qualified lead. Think of all the hours saved from answering “how much?” messages or feeling the need to justify your prices on a sales call. 

#3 Strong Positioning

Transparent pricing sets you apart in your industry. It shows confidence in your value and respect for your clients’ time. Amateurs hide their rates. Professionals own their value. Which do you want to be?

How to Share Your Rates 

Now that you see what’s at stake if you don’t share your prices, and what price transparency really means for you, your clients, and your business, it’s time to put it into practice!

Start with these simple steps:

1. Set Your Foundation. Take some time to document your actual rates and what influences them. For products, list base prices and any customization options. For services, outline your starting points, package basics, upsells, or a la carte add ons.

COO Tip: Need help with your rates? I’ve got you covered with my pricing toolkit: grab my plug-and-play pricing calculators (one for services and one for products) or level up with my pricing mini-course for creatives. Skip the guesswork – let’s make pricing work for your business.

2. Choose Your Format. Create a pricing strategy that fits your business. This might be simple product pricing, package ranges, or “starting at” rates for custom work.
   
   
3. Tell Your Story. Your price isn’t about your hours or materials – it’s about the transformation you deliver (hello, value-based pricing). Share the results that make you worth it, whether that’s heirloom-quality pieces that last generations or branding that doubles client revenue.

Making the Switch to Price Transparency

Ready to stop hiding your rates? 

Here’s your action plan:

1. Pick one product line or service to test transparent pricing
2. Write clear descriptions of what clients receive
3. Publish your rates ( i.e. your website, pricing sheets, etc.) and watch what happens

Yes, it might feel scary. Yes, some people might leave your site. But they’re making room for better clients who value transparency and professionalism.

Your Next Steps

Look, we’ve covered a lot here. You now know that hiding your rates isn’t protecting your business – it’s holding you back. You’ve seen how transparency attracts better clients, saves precious time, and positions you as the professional you are.

The only question left is: what will you do with this information?

You can keep playing email tag with tire-kickers. Keep writing proposals that go nowhere. Keep hoping the right clients somehow guess your rates.

Or you can take the next step right now:

• Join “Business Building for Creatives” – my comprehensive course. For entrepreneurs ready to build a thriving, sustainable business.
  
  
• Book a Clarity Call with me. For quick wins and expert guidance on your specific business.
  
  
• Enroll in my “Pricing Mini-Course for Creatives” and nail your pricing strategy. For DIY-ers who want clear pricing formulas that work.

The clients you want are out there, ready to invest in quality. They’re just waiting for you to show them you’re ready for them.

Stop hiding. Start attracting the clients you deserve.

COO Tip: Need help with your rates? I’ve got you covered with my pricing toolkit: grab my plug-and-play pricing calculators (one for services and one for products) or level up with my pricing mini-course for creatives. Skip the guesswork – let’s make pricing work for your business.