Rate Increase Script - Rei Philippines

Before You Send Anything

The words matter less than the groundwork. A perfectly written rate request sent at the wrong time or without evidence gets a "no" just as fast as a sloppy one. Run through this checklist first - if you can't check at least four of the five, hold off until you can.

You're ready to ask when:

You have 3+ months of consistent, quality work with this client - no significant misses or gaps.
You can point to measurable wins: tasks automated, hours saved, revenue influenced, errors reduced, processes improved. Vague "I've been doing great work" isn't enough. Numbers are.
You have market data showing your current rate is below niche benchmarks. (The Niche Benchmarks page has current ranges - use it.)
There are no active fires. Don't ask during a crisis, a missed deadline, or a week where the client is clearly stressed about something else. Timing is a form of respect.
You have a specific number ready - not "more," not "a raise," but "$X/hr." Use the Rei Calculator to model it before you send anything.

One more thing: send the request in writing, not on a call. Written messages give the client time to process, check their budget, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting in the moment. If they want to discuss further on a call, let them suggest it.

Script 1 - The 90-Day Check-In

Use when: You're requesting your first rate adjustment after the initial trial period. Three months is enough time to have delivered real results without it feeling premature.

Why it works: It frames the raise as a natural milestone review, not a surprise ask. Leading with specific wins makes the new rate feel like a logical next step rather than an arbitrary jump.

Hi [Client Name],

I've really enjoyed working with you over the past [X months]. I wanted to share a quick update on what I've been able to deliver:

- [Win 1, with a number - e.g., "Processed 450+ orders with a 99.2% accuracy rate"]
- [Win 2, with a number - e.g., "Reduced average email response time from 12 hours to under 3"]
- [Win 3, with a number - e.g., "Built an automated tracking spreadsheet that saves roughly 4 hours per week"]

Based on the results so far and the expanded scope of what I'm handling, I'd like to adjust my rate from $[current] to $[new]/hr, effective [date - give at least 2 weeks' notice].

I'm committed to continuing to deliver at this level and happy to discuss further if you'd like. Thank you for being a great client to work with.

Customization notes: Three wins is the sweet spot. Fewer feels thin; more feels like you're overselling. Always attach a number or metric to each win - "handled customer support" is forgettable, "resolved 200+ tickets with a 4.8 satisfaction rating" is not.

Script 2 - The Scope-Expansion Raise

Use when: Your responsibilities have grown well beyond the original job description, but your rate hasn't moved with them. This is the most common (and most justified) reason for a raise.

Why it works: It makes the case visually - "here's what you hired me for, here's what I actually do now" - which makes the rate gap obvious without you having to argue for it.

Hi [Client Name],

When we started working together, my role focused on [original tasks - e.g., "email management and calendar scheduling"]. Over time, that's grown to include [new tasks - e.g., "social media scheduling, client onboarding documents, and monthly performance reporting"].

I'm happy to keep handling all of it - it's work I enjoy and I can see the impact it's having on the business. To reflect the expanded scope, I'd like to update my rate from $[current] to $[new]/hr starting [date].

If it's easier to talk through this on a quick call, I'm flexible on timing. Either way, I want to find a structure that works well for both of us.

Customization notes: Be specific about the scope expansion. "I'm doing more" is weak. "I've taken on client onboarding, monthly reporting, and social media scheduling - none of which were in the original role" is undeniable. If you can estimate the hours per week the new tasks add, include that too.

Script 3 - The Annual or Quarterly Review

Use when: You've been with a client for 6+ months and want to frame the raise as a routine business review, not a negotiation. This is the script for long-term relationships where you want to normalize rate adjustments as a standard part of the partnership.

Why it works: Framing it as a "check-in" with highlights and investment updates positions you as a professional managing your own career, not someone asking for a favor. The market-rate reference gives the client an external anchor so the number doesn't feel personal.

Hi [Client Name],

With the new [year / quarter] approaching, I wanted to do a quick check-in on our working arrangement.

Over the past [timeframe], here are some highlights:
- [Key result 1 - e.g., "Reconciled 6 months of backlogged transactions and brought books current"]
- [Key result 2 - e.g., "Onboarded 3 new vendor accounts with zero payment issues"]

I've also invested in [new skill or certification - e.g., "completing my QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification"], which has allowed me to [specific benefit - e.g., "handle monthly reconciliations and basic tax prep independently, without needing review"].

I'd like to adjust my rate to $[new]/hr effective [date]. This aligns with current market rates for [niche] VAs at my experience level.

I value our partnership and look forward to continuing to grow with your business. Happy to discuss anytime.

Customization notes: If you've completed a certification or training since your last rate discussion, this is the script to use - it gives the client a concrete reason beyond "time has passed." The market-rate line works best when you can reference a specific source ("current OnlineJobs.ph benchmarks for bookkeeping VAs with QBO certification").

Script 4 - The New Client Rate Reset

Use when: You're quoting a new prospect and want to set your updated rate from day one. This isn't a raise conversation - it's a positioning conversation. You're establishing the relationship at the rate you've grown into, not the rate you started at.

Why it works: New clients have no anchor. They don't know what you charged your last client. This is your cleanest opportunity to reset your rate to where it should be - so use it.

Hi [Prospect Name],

Thanks for reaching out. Based on the scope you described - [one-sentence summary of tasks] - my rate is $[rate]/hr with a [X]-hour weekly minimum.

A bit about what I bring: I specialize in [niche] with [X years] of experience working with [client type - e.g., "US-based e-commerce brands running on Shopify"]. I'm certified in [relevant certification] and my workflow includes [relevant tool or process - e.g., "AI-assisted product listing that cuts turnaround time by about 40%"].

I'd love to learn more about your business and see if we're a good fit. Are you available for a quick call this week?

Customization notes: State your rate as a fact, not a proposal. "My rate is $14/hr" lands completely differently than "I'd like to charge $14/hr" or "I'm looking for around $14." Also, always include a weekly minimum - it filters out clients who want 2 hours of sporadic work and protects your schedule.

When They Say No

It happens. A "no" isn't a failure - it's information. How you respond determines whether the relationship stays professional and whether you get to yes next time.

Option 1 - Meet in the middle

Best when the client's hesitation is budget-related, not value-related. They see your worth but genuinely can't hit your number right now.

"I understand budget constraints - I appreciate you being upfront about it. Would a smaller adjustment to $[middle ground] work for now? We could plan to revisit in [3 months] once [specific trigger - e.g., 'the new quarter's budget opens up' or 'we've had time to measure the impact of the new workflow']."

Option 2 - Tie it to a milestone

Best when the client wants proof before committing. This works in your favor if you're confident you can deliver.

"That's fair. How about we set a specific target - for example, [concrete metric, e.g., 'bringing average order processing time under 2 hours' or 'hitting 98% accuracy on reconciliations for 3 consecutive months']. If I hit it by [date], my rate moves to $[new]. Does that feel reasonable?"

A word of caution: Only propose this if the metric is within your control. "Increase store revenue by 20%" depends on factors you can't influence. "Process all orders within 2 hours with 99%+ accuracy" is entirely on you.

Option 3 - Accept, plan, and diversify

Best when the client clearly isn't going to move on rate - now or in the foreseeable future. Stay professional, keep delivering, and redirect your energy toward finding clients who will pay your market rate.

"I appreciate you being transparent about where things stand. I'll continue delivering my best work - that doesn't change. Let's plan to revisit this in [timeframe]."

Then do two things: start prospecting for new clients at your target rate using Script 4, and begin gradually reducing your availability with the underpaying client as new work fills in. You don't need to burn the bridge - you need to outgrow it.

The Mindset Behind All of This

Asking for a raise is a normal, expected part of any professional relationship. Your client has received raises at their job. Their accountant raises fees. Their SaaS tools increase pricing annually. You are not an exception to how business works.

If a client values your work, they expect a rate conversation eventually. If they react badly to a professional, evidence-based request, that tells you something important about the long-term viability of the partnership - and that information is worth having sooner rather than later.

Calculate Your Number First

Not sure what rate to ask for? Don't guess. The Rei Calculator factors in your niche, experience level, certifications, platform fees, and cost of living to generate a data-backed number. Run it before sending any of these scripts - confidence comes from knowing your number is grounded in real market data, not a feeling.