Do not deal with people who try to knock your prices down. In my experience, these people always end up being difficult to get paid from, and no one wants that. So, if they start knocking you down, walk away.
Of course, you should be charging a reasonable amount and nothing extortionate. I myself charge a very reasonable fee considering my extensive experience. But I expect to be fully fed, accommodated and transported on top of my fee, so my grooming fee does not include all these things; they are extra.
Put In It Writing
When you discuss your costs with a new employer, put his conversation in writing by text or email. But be sure to include extras that you expect and quantify everything.
Also specify when you want to get paid: at the end or halfway through if you are arriving with little money. Be transparent that you need pocket money to keep you afloat.
Dealing with transportation costs and invoicing lessons learned the hard way
Alison McIvor continues her third installment in the HorseGrooms’ Guide to Freelancing with advice about dealing with transportation costs and invoicing as well as lessons learned the hard way.
Read the rest of this article within the HorseGrooms Community. All you have to do is set up a free profile in the HorseGrooms Community and you’ll gain exclusive access to special resources, opportunities, courses and more. Sign up and view the article exclusively on Community here.
Feature photo courtesy of KIND Media LLC.
I’m absolutely delighted to be contributing to HorseGrooms and be part of their team.
I’ve been grooming horses up to the five-star and Olympic level for over 40 years, so I guess I’m a veteran with lots of experience taking care of countless horses worldwide. In 2013, I started Show Grooms International Ltd. as a specialist equine recruitment company with the goals of pairing top stables with the best grooms and filling any other ancillary positions. Since, it has amassed a collection of distinguished clients and incredible job opportunities across the world.
When I started grooming at age 14, I read old stable management books full of know-how from the 19th century! Whilst technology has changed vastly in 200 years, horses haven’t–and really their basic needs are the same.
HorseGrooms gives everyone, including me, a chance to learn, share and inspire with diverse topics. I’m definitely looking forward to being part of a new age platform sharing ancient and modern ideas.
