Setting Your Hourly Rate: A Companion's Pricing Guide

Getting your pricing right isn't just about earning more—it's about sustainability, attracting quality clients, and building a career you can maintain long-term.

Know Your Worth

Your value goes beyond the hours spent with a client. Consider everything you bring:

• Your unique qualities—personality, conversation skills, languages spoken, education, and life experience
• The full investment—travel time, preparation, wardrobe, and communication before and after bookings
• Your professionalism—reliability, discretion, and the ability to make clients feel at ease

Your rate reflects all of this. When you price yourself appropriately, clients perceive you as the professional you are.

Avoid These Pricing Mistakes

Undercharging to "get started" attracts the wrong clients. Low prices signal low value—clients who pay less often expect more and respect boundaries less.

Ignoring your real costs. Factor in transportation, data, appropriate clothing, and the time you spend messaging before bookings. If your rate doesn't cover these, you're working at a loss.

Comparing yourself unfairly. Every companion offers something different. Another companion's rate reflects their circumstances, not yours. Focus on what makes you valuable.

When to Raise Your Rates

Watch for these signs that you're undercharging:

• You're always fully booked—high demand means the market values you more than your rate reflects
• Clients never push back on price—some hesitation is normal; none suggests you're too low
• You feel undervalued or burnt out—your rate affects your wellbeing

Good reviews and repeat clients justify increases. You don't need permission to value yourself more—it's your business.

Price With Confidence

Confidence in your pricing signals confidence in your service. Quality clients respect fair rates because they understand value. The clients who only want the cheapest option aren't the ones who'll treat you well.

Review your current rate. Does it reflect what you truly bring to every booking? If not, it's time for a change.

Ready to update your profile? Visit your companion dashboard and make sure your rate reflects your worth.

Research Sources

• How to Price Yourself as a Freelancer - CareerFoundry - Practical guide on calculating rates based on value delivered
• Setting Your Freelance Rate - Upwork - Framework for determining break-even rates and pricing strategy
• The Psychology of Pricing - TechBullion - Research on how pricing affects perceived value
• 3 Reasons You're Undercharging - Brainz Magazine - The connection between self-worth and pricing confidence
• When to Increase Your Rates - With Moxie - Signs that indicate it's time to raise your prices